Blockbuster home test schedule
Black Ferns and All Blacks prepare to defend home turf in international games
New Zealand Rugby has announced a 10-test international schedule as the Black Ferns and All Blacks prepare to defend their home turf this year.
The Black Ferns kick off their Rugby World Cup preparations against Australia, Canada and the US in the Pacific Four Series this June, while the All Blacks take on Ireland in an eagerly anticipated three-test series in July, before hosting Argentina and Australia during the Rugby Championship.
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said it was great to see a full international test schedule in Aotearoa after last year’s Covid disruptions.
“It has been a long time since the Black Ferns played a test in Aotearoa and the Pacific Four gives New Zealanders the opportunity to get excited about women’s rugby in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup and to get behind their team in what is a huge year for the women’s game.
“The All Blacks have a big season ahead with the series against Ireland and a tough Rugby Championship schedule. I know Foz [All Blacks head coach Ian Foster] and the team can’t wait for the season to kick off and I’m sure fans feel the same way. We have not hosted Ireland since 2012 and Argentina have not played here since 2018, so we cannot wait to welcome two great rugby rivals and their fans to our country.”
The Pacific Four Series will be the first international fixtures for the Black Ferns in New Zealand since August 2019, and the first series headed by new director of rugby Wayne Smith and his assistant coaches Wesley Clarke and Whitney Hansen.
It has been a long time since the Black Ferns played a test in Aotearoa.
Mark Robinson