Black Ferns to play in double-headers

The Black Ferns will play two trans-Tasman tests against the Wallaroos this year.

The Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy will be up for grabs when the Black Ferns play Australia in Sydney and Auckland on the same nights as the All Blacks take on Australia in their bid to hold onto the Bledisloe Cup.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Steve Tew said the tests were a great opportunity for fans to see the Black Ferns in action.

Playing ahead of the All Blacks will mean more spectators both at the grounds and on television.

‘‘We are very excited at the prospect of having both the Black Ferns and All Blacks in action against one of our closest rivals.

‘‘Having our two top sides take on the Aussies in the same night is something special and to be able to schedule double test matches both home and away is a real bonus,’’ said Tew in a release.

‘‘The popularity of the Black Ferns and women’s rugby has grown massively in the past couple of years and we’re sure Kiwi fans on both sides of the Tasman will take this opportunity to cheer on our world champions. For the players it’s a chance for friends and family to watch them play at home too.’’

The Black Ferns are the holders of the trophy. The first doubleheader takes place at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on August 18 with a rematch the following week on Saturday, August 25, in Auckland.

New Zealand Rugby will announce its first-ever group of players to be contracted as Black Ferns under a new professional performance programme ahead of their first training camp in midJune. The terms for the Black Ferns programme are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and will see a minimum of 30 players employed by NZR on a Black Ferns contract with a guaranteed retainer, assembly fees and other benefits.