Black Ferns 2026 Schedule: Blockbuster Home & Away Tests

New Zealand Rugby has officially locked in an action-packed international calendar for the national women’s team. The upcoming Black Ferns 2026 Schedule features 10 high-stakes Test matches against the top rugby nations in the world.

Fans across Aotearoa and around the globe can look forward to a thrilling mix of home fixtures and demanding overseas tours. Here is the complete breakdown of what lies ahead for the reigning World Cup icons.

Historic Home Series Featuring France and Australia

The home leg of the Black Ferns 2026 Schedule delivers four massive matches on New Zealand soil. The campaign begins on August 22 in Auckland, where New Zealand will host traditional rivals Australia for the prestigious O’Reilly Cup.

Later in October, the Black Ferns will welcome France for an extraordinary three-Test series as part of the WXV Global Series. This blockbuster home tour spans three major venues across the country:

• Saturday, 22 August: vs Australia (Go Media Stadium, Auckland)
• Saturday, 17 October: vs France (FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton)
• Saturday, 24 October: vs France (Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei)
• Saturday, 31 October: vs France (One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch)

Demanding Overseas Tours Across South Africa and Europe

In addition to their home clashes, the Black Ferns face a grueling international roadmap. In September, the team travels to Johannesburg for a historic match against South Africa at the famous FNB Stadium, playing alongside the All Blacks in a double-header event.

From there, the squad heads north to Europe for a tough three-match swing against France in Lyon, Scotland in Edinburgh, and England at Allianz Stadium in London. These fixtures provide invaluable preparation as the squad builds toward the next World Cup cycle.

Key International Away Fixtures:

• September 5: vs South Africa (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)
• September 12: vs France (Matmut Stadium de Gerland, Lyon)
• September 19: vs Scotland (Hive Stadium, Edinburgh)
• September 26: vs England (Allianz Stadium, London)

Building Long-Term Depth and High Performance

New Zealand Rugby Head of Women’s High Performance Hannah Porter highlighted the importance of playing the world’s best teams regularly. The expanded calendar ensures players gain maximum exposure to elite pressure and tactics.

To follow updated team metrics and official world rankings, visit the World Rugby database.