Rugby: Black Ferns in June international series

Selica Winiata is one of many key players to have been selected in the 51-strong Black Ferns Rugby World Cup training squad by coach Glenn Moore. Photo / Getty Images.

The Black Ferns will have a solid June programme in the lead-up to the August Women's Rugby World Cup.

Wellington, Rotorua and Christchurch will host an international series featuring Canada, Australia and England in June.

The series includes a rugby double-header at Rotorua International Stadium when the Black Ferns take on England, ahead of the Maori All Blacks match against the British and Irish Lions.

The Black Ferns will play Canada at Westpac Stadium before the Hurricanes and Chiefs Super Rugby match on June 9.

When the Black Ferns take on Australia in Christchurch it will mark the first time the national women's team has played in the South Island since 1997.

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said the series was an opportunity for rugby fans around New Zealand to see the team in action.

"Women's rugby is growing and growing and so is our fan base. We hope fans come out in force to support the Black Ferns on their home soil."

Moore said the series would test the team against some of the tough opposition they are likely to meet in the Women's Rugby World Cup in Ireland and Northern Ireland in August.
"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.

"England is currently ranked second, Canada third and Australia sixth so we are expecting a tough series. Every team is out to prove themselves."

Moore recently named a 51-strong wider training squad to identify and develop talent from around New Zealand.

International Women's Rugby Series:

Friday June 9: Wellington
Black Ferns v Canada, Westpac Stadium (followed by Hurricanes v Chiefs)
Australia v England, Porirua Park

Tuesday June 13: Christchurch
Black Ferns v Australia, Rugby Park
Canada v England, Rugby Park

Saturday June 17: Rotorua
Black Ferns v England, Rotorua International Stadium (followed by Maori All Blacks v British & Irish Lions)
Australia v Canada, Smallbone Park