Black Ferns XV set to face Springbok Women in SA

NEWS: The Springbok Women will host the Black Ferns XV in two matches in South Africa this year.

The two international fixtures, on July 26 and August 2, 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, has 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 June 29 for a trial game against the Black Ferns in Whangarei on July 5 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 the coming weeks.

Black Ferns XV 2025 schedule:

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