Historic trans-Tasman women's rugby fixture announced

Black Ferns

1 hour agoBy: Belinda Forward

History to be made at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch

A historic international women’s rugby fixture between New Zealand Under 21 and Australia NextGen will be played at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 31 October this year.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Rugby Australia (RA) jointly announced the match today, marking the first time either country has assembled a national women’s age grade team for an international fixture.
The match will kick off at 4.30pm NZT live and exclusive on Sky as a double-header to the Black Ferns third Test against France, in what will be the final match of the 2026 WXV Global Series.
Support for NZR’s newest national age grade team has already begun with 2degrees coming on board as the Official Parter of the New Zealand Women’s U21 team.
NZR Head of Women’s High Performance Hannah Porter said it was a landmark moment for the progression of the women and girls’ pathway.
“This is a special event in that it will be the first time an age-grade women’s team has had the opportunity to represent New Zealand and pull on the black jersey in an international fifteens match.
“It’s a testament to the growth of women and girls’ rugby in New Zealand and Australia and the increasing opportunities for the talented players in our respective pathways.”
NZR Women’s High Performance Pathways Manager Kendra Cocksedge said:
“This is huge for the women’s game. A lot of girls grow up dreaming of wearing the black jersey, but until now that’s only been possible in Sevens, or with the Black Ferns XV or Black Ferns. This match is representative of how far the game has come and a chance for New Zealand to see the incredible talent coming through. It’s a significant moment for rugby in New Zealand.”
Black Ferns Coach Whitney Hansen echoed those views.
“For young women coming through the pathway, having the opportunity to play at that level alongside players their own age is hugely important for their development. It’s also inspirational. They can see players like themselves wearing the black jersey, and know that becoming a Black Fern is within reach.
“As we continue to build our depth and look towards the Lions tour next year and the 2029 Rugby World Cup, these are exactly the opportunities we want to create in our pathway. It’s a really positive step for the growth of the game.”
The New Zealand U21 squad for the match will be announced in early October.