The Black Ferns are making headlines in 2025 as they gear up to defend their Women’s Rugby World Cup title in England. From a stunning new kit unveiling to a talent search for future stars and their Pacific Four Series triumph, the Black Ferns 2025 news is buzzing with excitement. This article dives into the latest updates, key matches, standout players, and how fans worldwide can watch the action live. For more on New Zealand rugby, explore our Black Ferns World Cup guide.
New Black Ferns 2025 World Cup Kit Unveiled
On June 16, 2025, adidas launched the Black Ferns’ official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kit, designed to blend performance with cultural significance. The jersey features a weave graphic inspired by the players’ multicultural backgrounds, symbolizing the team’s sisterhood. A refreshed fern spiral, inspired by New Zealand’s silver fern, adorns the side panels and shorts, offering a 3D texture for players to wipe moisture during matches. The collar bears the motto “Serve the Fern,” a nod to team pride, as highlighted by star wing Katelyn Vaha’akolo. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe called the design “beautiful” for uniting the squad’s diverse cultures. Fans can purchase the kit in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes at adidas.com. Read more about the team’s legacy in our rising stars feature.
Talent Search for Future Black Ferns
On June 22, 2025, New Zealand Rugby hosted a talent search in Wellington, drawing 22 female athletes, including sprinters, rowers, and a high jumper, to the Next Ferns programme. Aimed at uncovering new-to-rugby talent for the 2029 Rugby World Cup and 2032 Olympics, the event was led by Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting and Sevens coach Corey Sweeney. Kendra Cocksedge, NZ Rugby’s women’s high performance pathways manager, emphasized speed and athleticism as key traits. Among the standouts was 19-year-old basketballer Kavanah Lene, daughter of former Black Fern Stacey Lene (2003-2005). This initiative underscores NZ Rugby’s commitment to building depth—see our World Cup preparations analysis.
Pacific Four Series 2025 Success
The Black Ferns clinched the 2025 Pacific Four Series title with a 79-14 rout of the USA on May 24 in Auckland, powered by Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s record-breaking seven tries, surpassing Vanessa Cootes’ 43-try mark to reach 45. Earlier, they drew 27-27 with Canada on May 17 in Christchurch, showcasing resilience with co-captain Ruahei Demant’s crucial kicks. A 38-12 win over Australia on May 10 in Newcastle secured the Laurie O’Reilly Cup, despite controversial officiating. These results, detailed in our Pacific Four analysis, highlight the team’s World Cup readiness, with debutantes like Braxton Sorensen-McGee adding flair.
Black Ferns 2025 Schedule: Key Matches
The Black Ferns’ 2025 season is packed with critical fixtures leading to the Women’s Rugby World Cup (August 22–September 27). Below is the schedule of key matches:
| Date | Opponent | Time (NZST/BST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2025 | Canada | 3:35 PM NZST | Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch |
| May 24, 2025 | USA | 3:35 PM NZST | North Harbour Stadium, Auckland |
| August 22, 2025 | Spain | 4:30 AM NZST / 5:30 PM BST | York Community Stadium, York |
| August 30, 2025 | Ireland | 4:30 AM NZST / 5:30 PM BST | Stadium MK, Milton Keynes |
| September 6, 2025 | Japan | 4:30 AM NZST / 5:30 PM BST | Stadium MK, Milton Keynes |
Tickets for World Cup matches are available via world.rugby. For the full timeline, check our Black Ferns 2025 schedule.
Key Players Driving the Campaign
Co-captain Ruahei Demant leads with her playmaking at fly-half, while Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s try-scoring prowess (45 career tries) electrifies the wing. Kennedy Tukuafu anchors the forwards with an 85% ruck retention rate, and young star Braxton Sorensen-McGee, an 18-year-old fullback, adds versatility. Their synergy, detailed in our backline analysis, positions the Black Ferns to challenge World No. 1 England.
How to Watch Black Ferns 2025 Live Globally
Catch every Black Ferns match live with these global streaming options:
- JokerHDPass: Stream in HD on JokerHDPass, ideal for fans in geo-restricted regions, compatible with smart TVs and mobiles.
- NZR+: Free streaming in select countries at NZR+. Verify regional access.
- Sky Sport Now: New Zealand fans can stream on Sky Sport Now (NZ$24.99/week).
- Stan Sport: Australian viewers can watch on Stan Sport (A$15/month + base plan).
- FloRugby: USA fans can stream via FloRugby ($29.99/month).
Use a VPN like NordVPN for geo-restricted streams. A 5 Mbps connection ensures HD quality. For more, visit our Pacific Four streaming guide.
Why the Black Ferns Are World Cup Favorites
Despite a challenging 2024 with losses to England, Ireland, and Canada, the Black Ferns’ 2025 Pacific Four Series dominance and new talent like Sorensen-McGee signal a return to form. Coach Allan Bunting’s focus on ruck speed and fluid attack, detailed in our breakdown tactics, prepares them for England’s physicality. With a culturally inspired kit and a deep squad, the Black Ferns are primed for a third straight World Cup title. Follow ABS Rugby for updates!
Who’s your Black Ferns star for 2025? Comment below and share your thoughts on social media with #BlackFerns2025!