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England announce New Zealand tour

Stuart Lancaster's England will travel to New Zealand in June 2014 for a three-Test series.

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed that England will tour New Zealand next June.

Stuart Lancaster's side will make the trip for what will be a three-Test series, which will get underway in Auckland.

"To play the world champions in their own back yard is the ultimate test. We saw in the Rugby Championship and the QBE Internationals what a formidable team and rugby nation New Zealand is," said Lancaster.

"This is our final tour before the world cup and it is massively important for us to benchmark ourselves against the number one team in the world.

"Playing three Tests and a midweek match will give us the opportunity to take 35 to 40 players who will get a chance to lay down a marker 15 months out from the tournament."

After Auckland on June 7, England will take on the Kiwis in Dunedin and Hamilton.

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Sam Whitelock of New Zealand tackles Billy Vunipola of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 16, 2013
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