A New Zealand national rugby team failing to make the knock-out phase of a tournament ... it just doesn't happen.

The New Zealand women's rugby team has been knocked out of the World Cup in France.

The Black Ferns are expecting a much sterner test in tomorrow's second Rugby World Cup outing against Ireland near Paris.

The New Zealand women's rugby side opened their defence of the women's Rugby World Cup with a big victory over Kazakhstan in France yesterday.

One of New Zealand's most decorated women's rugby players is hoping that the "eyes and ears of the rugby community" can help her retrieve a treasure trove of stolen memorabilia.

A kiwi branding expert is calling for countries who are opposed to the haka to ask their fans to decide if they want to see it.

New Zealand's fourth straight women's World Cup win this morning was built around composure, veteran Anna Richards said.

The Black Ferns have this morning secured their fourth successive IRB Women's Rugby World Cup beating England in a physical encounter.

New Zealand captain Melissa Ruscoe is possibly the most relaxed sounding skipper you'll ever chat to just days out from a World Cup final.

The Black Ferns remain on course for a fourth Women's Rugby World Cup title in a row after they easily defeated France in the semi-finals.