Teams

Teams, Player Profiles, Latest News and Video

Black Ferns

About the team

The Black Ferns are New Zealand's premier women's rugby team and the most dominant team in all of rugby with Rugby World Cup titles in 1998, 2002 2006, 2010 and 2017 and 2021 (played in 2022). They have one of the best winning percentages in international rugby, with victory in over 85 percent of their Tests.

The Black Ferns successful 2017 season was a landmark one for women’s rugby with the Black Ferns becoming the first women’s team to ever be named the World Rugby Team of the Year.

In 2022, the Black Ferns captured the imagination of Aotearoa when they lifted the Rugby World Cup on home soil for the first time. Playing in front of then world record crowd of 42,000 for women’s rugby, the Black Ferns edged England 34-31 in a thrilling final.

A New Zealand women's selection first took the field in 1989 and competed at the 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup. 

For all your in-depth stats and analysis Click Here

Upcoming Fixtures

  • France v2
    France Women
    VS
    BLACK FERNS Pos WEB
    Black Ferns
     
    Sat 21 Oct
    07:00PM NZST
    Sky Stadium, Wellington
    BUY TICKETS
  • BLACK FERNS Pos WEB
    Black Ferns
    VS
    Welsh
    Wales Women
     
    Sat 28 Oct
    04:00PM NZST
    Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
    BUY TICKETS
  • BLACK FERNS Pos WEB
    Black Ferns
    VS
    England v2
    England Women
     
    Sat 04 Nov
    07:00PM NZST
    Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland
    BUY TICKETS

Click here for Terms & Conditions for test match tickets.

Current Squad

Alana Bremner
Amy du Plessis
Amy Rule
Ariana Bayler
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu
Charmaine Smith
Chelsea Bremner
Chryss Viliko
Georgia Ponsonby
Iritana Hohaia
Kate Henwood
Katelyn Vahaakolo
Kennedy Simon
Krystal Murray
Layla Sae
Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
Lucy Jenkins
Luka Connor
Maiakawanakaulani Roos
Martha Mataele
Mererangi Paul
Natalie Delamere
Patricia Maliepo
Renee Holmes
Rosie Kelly
Ruahei Demant
Ruby Tui
Sophie Fisher
Sylvia Brunt
Tanya Kalounivale

Black Ferns news

View all
World Cup Windback: 2006 Black Ferns
Take a trip down memory lane as we look back at the 2006 starting XV that won the World Cup in Edmonton, Canada.

Sky Fans Try of the Year 2023 voting open
There have been some cracking tries in 2023 and now the time has come to vote on the best.
Looking back on the Black Ferns 2023 season
The busiest Black Ferns season outside a Rugby World Cup is over with five victories achieved in seven Tests.

Celebrating 200 years of rugby
From a humble start in 1823 at Rugby School, England, to becoming a global phenomenon, we trace the pivotal moments that have shaped the rich tapestry of rugby history and made an indelible mark on New Zealand culture.

Katelyn Vahaakolo named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Katelyn Vahaakolo has been named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the year in partnership with Tudor following the Black Ferns loss against England (12-33) in the final round of WXV1 at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland this evening.

Black Ferns fall to England in WXV 1 decider
England is the inaugural WXV 1 champion, overpowering the Black Ferns 33-12 at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart in Auckland
Demant nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year award
Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant could be named World Rugby's Player of the Year for the second year running.
PREVIEW: Black Ferns v England (WXV 1)
The Black Ferns must beat England while picking up more or the same number of bonus points to capture the inaugural WXV1 title in Auckland at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Saturday.

Black Ferns team named to play England in WXV1 finale
The Black Ferns team has been named to face England in their final match of the inaugural WXV1 tournament at Go Media Stadium Mount Smart this Saturday at 7.00pm.
It all comes down to the final round of WXV 1
The final round of the inaugural WXV 1 will be held at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart in Auckland with the winner likely to emerge from the Black Ferns long-awaited World Cup final rematch with England.

Ardie Savea named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
Ardie Savea has been named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard at the 2023 World Rugby Awards at the Opéra Garnier in Paris.
Black Ferns pile on the points in Dunedin
The Black Ferns have bounced back from their French defeat last Saturday to trounce Wales 70-7 in their first Test in Dunedin since 1997.

PREVIEW: Black Ferns v Wales (WXV 1)
Legendary Black Ferns like Dame Farah Palmer, Kelly Brazier, Annaleah Rush, and Melodie Robinson all at one time played for Otago yet Dunedin has only hosted a single Black Ferns Test.

Looking back on the historic opening round of WXV 1
The first round of the inaugural WXV I is in the books and there was no shortage of drama.

France's Gritty Defence Ends Black Ferns' Winning Streak
Dogged France flipped their one-point loss to the Black Ferns in last year's Rugby World Cup semi-final to earn their first victory in New Zealand.
PREVIEW: Black Ferns v France (WXV 1)
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting described the inaugural WXV 1 Tournament as a “mini World Cup.”
Black Ferns primed for WXV1 opener against France in Wellington
The Black Ferns coaching group of Allan Bunting, Steve Jackson, Mike Delany and Tony Christie have named an exciting 23 to take on France in their opener of the inaugural WXV1 Tournament this Saturday evening (7.00pm), in Wellington at Sky Stadium.
Tournament Spotlight: WXV 1
The inaugural WXV 1 tournament will see the top three teams from the World Rugby Pacific Four Series clash with the three best teams from the Europe Women's Six Nations.

WXV 1 teams welcomed to Wellington ahead of opening weekend
The world’s leading women’s rugby players were officially welcomed to Aotearoa New Zealand today for the inaugural WXV 1 tournament, set to kick off in Wellington this weekend.
WXV is coming: What you need to know
With the stage set for the inaugural WXV 1 Women's Rugby Tournament to take place in New Zealand in October and November, find out everything about this new pinnacle event for the game.

Black Ferns Videos

View all
Sky Fans Try of the Year (2023)
The time has come to vote for the 2023 Sky Fans Try of the Year.
HIGHLIGHTS | Blacks Ferns v England | WXV 1, 2023
The winner of the inaugural WXV 1 title will be decided when the Black Ferns…
HIGHLIGHTS | Blacks Ferns v Wales | WXV 1, 2023
The Black Ferns return to Dunedin for the first time since 1997 to face Wales…
HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v France | WXV 1, 2023
The Black Ferns meet France in a rematch of the 2021 Rugby World Cup semifinal…
George Bower and Stacey Waaka Analyse the Epic All Blacks v Ireland clash
The Front Row Daily Show is found on NZR+ which features a catalogue of behind…
HIGHLIGHTS | Black Ferns v Australia | Laurie O’Reilly Cup 2023
The Laurie O’Reilly Cup is on the line as the Black Ferns face old foes…
Epic Showdown Revisited: Wallaroos v Black Ferns 2022
As the anticipation builds to the Black Ferns v Wallaroos clash for the Laurie…
Breaking Barriers: Kendra's Path to Becoming a Rugby Legend (NZR+)
Legendary Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge takes us on a journey through…
Welcome to NZR+
NZR+ is here! It's rugby, plus some. Stream documentaries, short films…
Every Black Ferns try from the 2023 Pacific Four
Catch up on all the Black Ferns tries from the 2023 Pacific Four!
HIGHLIGHTS: Black Ferns v USA (Ottawa)
Catch up on all the big moments from the final clash of the Pacific Four.
EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS: Black Ferns v Australia (Brisbane)
Catch up on the best moments from the Black Ferns opening Test of 2023.
Find your Incredible
What is it that makes you incredible? Find your incredible and next career move…
Black Ferns Trophy Tour: Christchurch
The Black Ferns Trophy tour stopped by Christchurch on Monday December 12 to…
ASB Rugby Awards 2022
Catch all the action from the 2022 edition of the ASB Rugby Awards brought to…
Sky Fans Try of the Year 2022
Have your say and vote on the Sky fans try of the Year for 2022!
A letter from Portia to the next generation of Black Ferns
Portia Woodman has a message for the players of tomorrow.
Wes Clarke on the Rugby World Cup final
Assistant Coach, Wes Clarke speaks to the media ahead of the Black Ferns' Rugby…
What 'family' means to the Black Ferns
How big an influence does family have on the Black Ferns? Let the players tell…
Fitzpatrick and Holmes on the challenge of France
Theresa Fitzpatrick & Renee Holmes speak to the media ahead of their RWC…