Black Ferns XV to play two matches against the Springbok Women in South Africa

The Black Ferns XV will play two matches against the Springbok Women this year in South Africa in another boost to New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) women’s high-performance programme.

The two international fixtures, on 26 July and 2 August, will be part of an expanded programme for the Black Ferns XV, which will assemble for just the second time since being introduced to NZR’s high performance women’s pathway in 2023.

Hannah Porter, NZR Head of Women’s High Performance said the two fixtures in South Africa were a well-timed addition to the 2025 international calendar. The South African Rugby Union will confirm venues and kick off times for the two matches in due course.

“These matches are a major boost for our women’s rugby programme and playing in South Africa where women’s rugby is growing at pace will be a special experience for the players and a boost for the Black Ferns and Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup preparations.

“Providing international rugby in a touring environment will accelerate the development of a wider group of players outside the Black Ferns and build the depth of women’s rugby in New Zealand.”

NZR’s nominated second national team, the Black Ferns XV have played just one previous fixture, a 38-12 win over the Manusina XV at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe in 2023.

In 2025 the Black Ferns XV will assemble on 29 June for a trial game against the Black Ferns in Whangarei on 5 July in what will be part of a double-header fixture at Semenoff Stadium also featuring the Māori All Blacks v Scotland.

Porter said the trial match would offer another chance for players 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.

“When you consider the three fixtures for the Black Ferns XV there are 24 days of assembly for the group, a major increase in high performance development opportunities for our top women’s players,” Porter said.

The Black Ferns XV coaching and management team will be announced in coming weeks.

Black Ferns XV 2025 schedule:

• 5 July v Black Ferns, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei
• 26 July v Springbok Women, venue and kick off time TBC
• 2 August v Springbok Women, venue and kick off time TBC