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Black Ferns XV

The Black Ferns XV is the second women's national rugby union team of New Zealand, after the Black Ferns. Matches played by the 'Black Ferns XV' are non-test matches, usually against a touring side or bottom tier rugby nations.

History

The Black Ferns XV were introduced to New Zealand Rugby’s high performance women’s pathway in 2023.[1][2] They played their first match against the Manusina XV at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on 23 September 2023.[3][4]

The side will be providing international rugby in a touring environment which will help accelerate the development of a wider group of players outside the Black Ferns and will build the depth of women’s rugby in New Zealand.[1][2]

In 2025, the side will assemble on 29 June for a trial match against the Black Ferns in Whangarei on 5 July, it will be part of a double-header fixture at Semenoff Stadium that also features the Māori All Blacks against Scotland.[1][2] The trial match would also offer players another chance to "impress the Black Ferns coaches ahead of the Laurie O’Reilly Cup and the Rugby World Cup selection for a broader group of New Zealand’s top professional players." The matches will also be a boost for the Black Ferns in their Rugby World Cup preparations.[1][2]

Results

Won Lost Draw
Date Opponent PF PA Venue Event Note
23 September 2023  Manusina XV 38 12 Navigation Homes Stadium
5 July 2025  New Zealand TBD TBD Semenoff Stadium
26 July 2025  South Africa TBD TBD TBC
2 August 2025  South Africa TBD TBD TBC

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Black Ferns XV to play two matches against the Springbok Women in South Africa". allblacks.com. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b c d "Rugby: Black Ferns XV to face South Africa". RNZ. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ Julian, Adam (23 September 2023). "Black Ferns XV overcome Manusina XV in the wet". allblacks.com. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  4. ^ "Black Ferns subdue spirited Manusina XV". Otago Daily Times Online News. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)