Rugby: Domain to host overseas visitors

The Tauranga Domain will once again host international rugby when the Black Ferns host Canada and Australia in the 2014 International Series next June ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup in France. Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers says the Tauranga Domain is an ideal venue to host one of the games along with Rotorua International Stadium and Whakatane's Ruby Park.

"Rotorua is already up to standard so we will look to make sure the Tauranga Domain and Rugby Park are presentable and what Sky and the national media need," Rogers said.

"We haven't had those conversations in depth yet with the councils. We are looking to play at the domain because we think it the ideal venue for that type of fixture and will be a good fit.

"They are late afternoon games so that works as we don't need lights which they don't have there. Being able to do something like that in town from our point of view is a great opportunity.

"We are really keen to try and organise local teams to play curtain-raisers as well. We have discussed with New Zealand Rugby to get that local engagement and give our young local players a chance to be part of that series as well."

Rogers said he was pleased to be approached by the New Zealand Rugby Union to host the series.

"I think it is on the back of what we are doing with sevens and showing some credibility in terms of delivering events. Location as well. The Bay of Plenty is a great location for teams to be based and to play games as well."

In announcing the three-way series, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said the matches would be an important platform for the current world champions in women's rugby.

"Next year's programme will give the Black Ferns the ideal preparation before they travel to France in July to compete for the Women's Rugby World Cup," Tew said. "It also provides Canada and Australia with an opportunity to shake off the cobwebs before getting stuck into their own World Cup campaigns."

The programme has been announced on the back of a successful inbound 2013 season when traditional powerhouse England were defeated 3-0 by a dominant and determined Black Ferns side in June this year.

"We saw a very gutsy Black Ferns team fight hard for their wins over England during this year's International Series. The victories were particularly special as the series opener marked a significant milestone with the 1000th international match in women's world rugby."

The series will see the Black Ferns play the Canadian women and the Australian Wallaroos, with the visiting teams also playing each other in New Zealand.

Black Ferns head coach Brian Evans said the International Series would be a great opportunity to promote talent on display during this year's Women's Provincial Championship.

"We have seen some really good and entertaining rugby in this year's competition, and we know there are some new faces, and young faces that would love the opportunity to play for their country."

Rugby Canada general manager of rugby operations and performance Mike Chu said they were excited at the prospect of testing their national team against the current world champions.

"This is a pretty unique opportunity. Women's rugby has grown at a remarkable pace in Canada, and New Zealand is definitely one of the teams all countries look to beat.

"We believe we will have a competitive side next year, and we're excited to be visiting a country and playing a team that is special."

Wallaroos head coach Paul Verrell said the event was the perfect preparation for Australia leading into the World Cup in France. "Playing the Black Ferns is always challenging - last time we met in a pool match at the 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup, New Zealand dominated and beat us 32-5," said Verrell.

"We will take a combination of experience and new talent to New Zealand in an attempt to turn around that result and we're really looking forward to playing Canada for the first time on the international stage."