History
The Black Ferns XV were introduced to New Zealand Rugby’s high performance women's pathway in 2023. [1] They played their first match against the Manusina XV at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on 23 September 2023. [2] [3]
The side will be providing international rugby in a touring environment which will help accelerate the development of a wider group of players outside the Black Ferns and will build the depth of women's rugby in New Zealand. [1]
In 2025, the side assembled on 29 June for a trial match against the Black Ferns in Whangarei on 5 July, and it was part of a double-header fixture at Semenoff Stadium that also featured the Māori All Blacks against Scotland. [4] [5] The trial match offered players another chance 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." The matches was also a boost for the Black Ferns in their Rugby World Cup preparations. [4] [5]
Willie Walker was announced as the Black Ferns XVs Head Coach for their 2025 campaign. [6] They played the Black Ferns in Whangarei on 5 July, and later played two matches against South Africa. [6] [7] In their 2 match tour of South Africa, the Black Ferns XV split both games against the Springbok Womens with the Black Ferns XV winning the first match and the Springbok Womens winning the second match. [8] [9]
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Black Ferns XV 38–12 Manusina XV 
