England Women to face New Zealand in curtain-raiser for British and Irish Lions match against Maori All Blacks
The Black Ferns will host a four-nations series ahead of this year's Women's Rugby World Cup
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand's women's rugby team the Black Ferns will warm up for this year's Rugby World Cup with clashes against three of the top-ranked contenders, with one of the games a curtain raiser to a match on the British and Irish Lions tour.
The women's Rugby World Cup is being held from Aug. 9-26 in Ireland with New Zealand hosting England, Canada and Australia in a four-nations series in June.
The Black Ferns' final match of the series will be against world champions England as a curtain raiser to the Lions' match against the Maori All Blacks at Rotorua International Stadium on June 17.
"Women's rugby is growing and growing and so is our fan base," Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said in a statement.
"England is currently ranked second, Canada third and Australia sixth so we are expecting a tough series. Every team is out to prove themselves.
"The World Cup is our focus and everything we do from now is about getting us in the best possible position for Dublin and Belfast."
The Black Ferns' first match of the series, against 2014 runners-up Canada, will also act as a curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby clash between the Wellington Hurricanes and Waikato Chiefs on June 9.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments