Black Ferns to host France in three-test series as 2026 home test schedule confirmed
The Black Ferns await some familiar foes in 2026.
After finishing third in this year’s World Cup, the Black Ferns will play four tests on home soil in 2026.
One of those will be an O’Reilly Cup test against Australia; the other three against the team they beat for the bronze medal in England.
As part of the new WXV Global Series, the Black Ferns will host France for a three-test series at the back end of the year, with outings in Hamilton, Whangārei and Christchurch scheduled throughout October.
The Black Ferns are expected to play 10 tests in 2026, with the Pacific Four Series and their WXV away fixtures yet to be announced.
“We’ve got plenty to prove as we go into 2026 and we have a great mix of tests here at home and overseas,” Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu said.
“We’ve always said we want to play as much rugby as possible, so with so many tests overseas and at home next year, we want to make the most of those. We look forward to playing in four different venues across the motu [country] to see as many of our incredible fans as possible.
“For me personally, having a test at home in Hamilton is going to be special and when we take the field, it will have been two years since the Black Ferns last played there.”
It is the first of several announcements set to be made in regards to the team as they begin the long road to the next World Cup.
Outside of their away schedule, the Black Ferns will be announcing a new coaching set-up following the departure of Allan Bunting.
Bunting, who took over at the helm in early 2022, confirmed he would not be seeking another term in the role after the team finished third in the World Cup.
Speaking to the Herald last month, Bunting said after taking some time to consider his position that he came to the conclusion that it was time to step away.
“I’ve put my absolute heart and soul, so have all our management and our ladies, in the last three years and I’m really proud of what we’ve built,” he said.
Under Bunting’s watch, the Black Ferns recorded 17 wins, seven losses and a draw. However, in 12 tests against the other four sides ranked in the top five – England, Canada, France and Ireland – they had just four wins to seven losses and a draw.
New Zealand Rugby has begun its search for a new coach, with the goal of having the role filled by Christmas.
“There’s been some great strides made by the programme over the last three years; very strong management and support staff in the programme – probably the strongest that we’ve had across the board with the Black Ferns,” New Zealand Rugby general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said.
“The strength and conditioning and physical profile of players, their professional habits have increased and improved dramatically and the culture of the team’s been in a really good place.
“But ultimately, we didn’t get the performances that we really wanted, that particularly the players and management desperately wanted, at [the] World Cup. The team definitely showed flashes of what they’re capable of and this next period over the next couple of years will be about taking our on-field performances to the next level, and I know we’ve got the capability in our game to do that.”
Black Ferns home test in 2026
New Zealand v Australia. Saturday August 22. Go Media Stadium, Auckland.
New Zealand v France. Saturday 17 October. FMG Stadium, Hamilton.
New Zealand v France. Saturday 24 October. Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei.
New Zealand v France. Saturday 31 October. One NZ Stadium, Christchurch.
Kickoff times are yet to be confirmed.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.