Black Ferns to play two tests on tour of France

The Black Ferns have announced a two-test tour of France at the end of the year.

The Black Ferns will take on the reigning Women’s Six Nations champions in Toulon and Grenoble in November, bringing the total number of tests they will play in 2018 to five.

Their international season kicks off with a two-test series against Australia next month before the northern tour, which includes a match against USA at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field.

‘‘Women’s rugby is on a high in France following their Six Nations victory earlier this year when they played in front of large home crowds,’’ New Zealand Rugby chief rugby officer Nigel Cass said.

‘‘We’re expecting locals will turn out in force to cheer on these two teams. It will be a tantalising couple of test matches for rugby fans.’’

The Black Ferns play Australia for the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy in two double header test matches in August, with the All Blacks playing the Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney and then Auckland.

NZR also confirmed yesterday that the national women’s team will warm up for that series with a ‘Game of Three Halves’ against Bay of Plenty and Auckland on August 11 at Tauranga Domain.

The match will see the Black Ferns play Bay of Plenty for 40 minutes followed by 40 minutes against Auckland.

The third ‘half’ will pit Bay of Plenty against Auckland ahead of their Farah Palmer Cup season.

Meanwhile, John Haggart has returned from his role as defence coach at French side Stade Francais to take up a position as assistant coach for the Black Ferns.