Black Ferns’ historic 2026 season: 10 wins, new stars & world honours
The Black Ferns signed off a historic 2026 season with 10 victories from a record 11 Tests, two major World Rugby individual awards and five players selected in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.
In Whitney Hansen’s first season as head coach, New Zealand retained the Pacific Four Series title and Laurie O’Reilly Cup, broke new ground overseas and completed a three-Test home sweep against France. Their only defeat came against world champions England, decided by an interception with time almost up at Twickenham.
From April’s opening victory in Sacramento to October’s finale in Christchurch, established leaders and emerging talent combined to deliver a year of significant progress.
Pacific Four champions again
Black Ferns v USA: won 48–15, Sacramento
The season began with a demanding examination from an improving American side. Ahead just 19–15 at halftime, the Black Ferns pulled clear with 29 unanswered second-half points despite disciplinary setbacks. Mererangi Paul scored a hat-trick and Renee Holmes crossed twice, while Mia Anderson, Maddison Robinson, Justine McGregor and Tara Turner made their Test debuts. McGregor’s first appearance came on her 20th birthday.
Watch Highlights: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v USA | 2026, Pacific Four
Black Ferns v Canada: won 36–14, Kansas City
One of the season’s defining performances followed against the team that had ended New Zealand’s 2025 World Cup campaign. Trailing 14–5 at the break, the Black Ferns overwhelmed Canada 31–0 in the second half. Kaipo Olsen-Baker scored twice, with Kennedy Tukuafu’s defensive work and Ruahei Demant’s direction helping turn the contest. It was New Zealand’s first victory over Canada since 2023.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v Canada | 2026, Pacific Four
Black Ferns v Australia: won 40–5, Sunshine Coast
The Black Ferns completed an unbeaten Pacific Four campaign with a convincing ANZAC Day victory, securing the competition for the third time in four years and retaining the Laurie O’Reilly Cup. Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored twice, while Justine McGregor celebrated her first Test try. Laura Bayfield, a New Zealand Army officer, also crossed on a particularly meaningful day, as New Zealand’s defence restricted Australia to one try.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v Australia | 2026, Pacific Four
Fresh faces make their mark
Black Ferns v Australia: won 66–19, Auckland
Returning to Test rugby in August, New Zealand produced a ten-try display at Go Media Stadium. Olsen-Baker’s powerful carrying and relentless work around the field helped establish the platform for an emphatic victory. Elinor-Plum King, Amarante Sititi and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a made their Test debuts, with Sititi and Tuliau-Tua’a scoring. Australia’s 100th Test became another demonstration of the Black Ferns’ growing depth.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v Australia | 2026, Laurie O'Reilly Cup
Black Ferns v South Africa: won 52–20, Johannesburg
The Black Ferns’ first Test on South African soil demanded resilience as well as attacking quality. The Springbok Women challenged New Zealand at scrum and maul, while four yellow cards complicated the visitors’ afternoon at FNB Stadium. King and Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored two tries apiece, and the Black Ferns crucially scored twice while reduced to 13 players. King earned player-of-the-match recognition in just her second Test.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v South Africa | 2026, Johannesburg
European tour brings promise and heartbreak
Black Ferns v France: won 28–14, Lyon
New Zealand opened their WXV Global Series campaign with a composed victory built on determined defence and improved set-piece work. McGregor, Anderson and Paul crossed before Liana Mikaele-Tu’u’s late try finally subdued the hosts. Georgia Ponsonby led the side, while Layla Sae returned to Test rugby after 20 months sidelined by injury. Against dangerous opponents, the Black Ferns showed they could win through patience and control.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v France | 2026, WXV (Lyon)
Blak Ferns v Scotland: won 66–14, Edinburgh
Playing their first Test in Scotland, the Black Ferns scored ten tries at Hive Stadium. Explosive starts to both halves established control, with Sae scoring twice and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu contributing a formidable all-round performance. Ngano Tavake and Maia Davis made their debuts, adding further competition for places. The result extended New Zealand’s winning run to eight Tests, including the previous year’s World Cup bronze final.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v Scotland | 2026, WXV (Edinburgh)
Black Ferns v England: lost 19–26, Twickenham
The season’s only defeat was also its cruellest finish. New Zealand led 12–7 at halftime and dominated possession and territory, forcing England into 283 tackles. Tries from Amy du Plessis, Leti-I’iga and Paul kept the visitors firmly in contention. With scores level at 19–19, the Black Ferns attempted one final attack, but Zoe Harrison intercepted to secure England’s victory. The performance demonstrated how closely New Zealand could challenge the world champions.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v England | 2026, WXV (London)
Home sweep seals the season
Black Ferns v France: won 81–12, Hamilton
Back on home soil, the Black Ferns unleashed their most spectacular attacking performance of the year. Maia Joseph scored twice inside the opening ten minutes, setting the tone for a commanding 43–0 halftime lead. Tuliau-Tua’a delighted her home crowd with four tries, while du Plessis and Leti-I’iga also scored doubles. The emphatic victory provided an immediate response to the disappointment at Twickenham.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v France | 2026, WXV (Hamilton)
Black Ferns v France: won 31–12, Whangārei
The Black Ferns marked their 150th Test with a hard-earned win at Semenoff Stadium. France’s improved performance left New Zealand ahead just 14–12 at halftime. Demant’s crucial effort to hold up a potential French try helped protect that advantage before Sititi crossed. Sorensen-McGee then supplied a dazzling individual try as the hosts pulled clear, combining defensive resolve with their familiar attacking flair.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v France | 2026, WXV (Whangārei)
Black Ferns v France: won 36–7, Christchurch
The finale at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch followed a similar pattern: a competitive first half before New Zealand accelerated away. Leading 12–7 at the interval, the Black Ferns kept France scoreless after halftime to complete the series sweep. Tuliau-Tua’a scored twice, rounding off an outstanding home campaign. Victory delivered a fitting finish to the busiest Test season in the team’s history.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v France | 2026, WXV (Christchurch)
World recognition crowns a memorable year
Olsen-Baker’s influence was recognised with the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award. Her forceful carrying, defensive contribution and ability to change matches made her central to New Zealand’s success.
King claimed World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year after a remarkable debut season, impressing with her tackling, breakdown work and composure. Both received their awards following the Christchurch victory.
Further recognition followed with five World Rugby Dream Team of the Year selections: Olsen-Baker at No.8, Maiakawanakaulani Roos at lock, Leti-I’iga on the wing, Sylvia Brunt in midfield and Sorensen-McGee at fullback.
Together, the results, milestones and awards highlight what a magnificent season it was in coach Whitney Hansen's first year in charge. The Black Ferns’ foundations for the next World Cup cycle have been firmly set as the look forward to welcoming the Women's Lions for their first ever tour next season.
