The Black Ferns's World Cup preparations have been boosted with an international series against Canada, Australia and England in New Zealand in June.

The series includes a double-header at Rotorua International Stadium when the Black Ferns take on world champions England as the curtainraiser to the New Zealand Maori game against the British & Irish Lions.

The profile of the team will also be boosted by playing Canada in Wellington as the curtainraiser to the Super Rugby clash between the Hurricanes and Chiefs'.

The Black Ferns' clash with Australia in Christchurch it will mark the first time the national women's team has played in the South Island since 1997.

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Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said the international 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," a delighted New Zealand coach Glenn Moore said as they series was announced.

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," he said.



"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