The Black Ferns will play Canada, England and the USA in the International Women’s Rugby Super Series in Canada later this year, New Zealand Rugby confirmed today.

The Series provides the first opportunity for the Black Ferns to return to competitive international rugby following the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) and features matches against the WRWC finalists England and Canada.

New Zealand Rugby Head of Women’s Rugby Development, Cate Sexton, said the tournament provided a really positive step towards further building the level of competition in international women’s rugby and establishing top level events for players with the next WRWC only two years away.
 
“This tournament will showcase women’s rugby at its best and provide a platform of preparation for the next Women’s Rugby World Cup. Four of the top six teams in the world will be competing and it’s a great follow-up to the home series in New Zealand last year against Samoa, Australia and Canada. 
 
“We want to continue to strengthen our relationships with other countries and build a regular calendar of competition for the Black Ferns, which is a key priority of our plan for Women’s Rugby. This series is a significant step towards this.”

The first round will take place in Calgary on 27 June, with the Black Ferns facing Canada, while the USA play England, and the Blacks Ferns will take on traditional rivals England, and Canada play the USA on Canada Day (1 July) in Red Deer.

The final round on 5 July in Edmonton, features Canada and England in a rematch of the 2014 WRWC Final and the Black Ferns against the USA in a rematch of the 5th/6th place game at last year’s World Cup.

Based on World Rugby’s decision to move key international events to separate years, the next WRWC is set to take place in 2017. This summer’s tournament will be an important tool for talent identification and development for each of the competing nations.

Newly appointed Black Ferns head Coach Greg Smith said the Series would provide an opportunity to help unearth new talent as team begins to rebuild following their disappointment in France last year. 

“There’s a growing number of women playing rugby and an increasing number of opportunities to showcase talent at club and school level.

“I’m confident that we’ll have a good mix of new faces in the frame for selection supported by seasoned Black Ferns, all eager to make an impression in Canada against some quality opposition.”

Women’s Rugby Super Series Schedule:

June 27 – Calgary, AB
Calgary Rugby Park

USA vs. England
Kick Off: 4:00PM (local time)

Black Ferns vs. Canada 
Kick Off: 6:30PM (local time)

July 1 – Red Deer, AB
Red Deer Rugby Club

Black Ferns vs. England
Kick Off: 4:00PM (local time)

Canada vs. USA
Kick Off: 6:30PM (local time)

July 5 – Edmonton, AB
Ellerslie Rugby Park

Black Ferns vs. USA
Kick Off: 4:00PM (local time)