The Black Ferns XV have played just one previous fixture, a 38-12 win over the Manusina XV in Pukekohe in 2023. Photo: Brett Phibbs
The Black Ferns development side will play two matches against the Springbok Women in South Africa this year.
It will be just the second time the Black Ferns XV have assembled since being introduced to New Zealand Rugby's high performance women's pathway in 2023.
The fixtures on 26 July and 2 August are yet to have confirmed venues.
NZR head of women's high performance Hannah Porter said the South Africa fixtures were a well-timed addition to the 2025 international calendar.
"These matches are a major boost for our women's rugby programme and playing in South Africa where women's rugby is growing at pace will be a special experience for the players and a boost for the Black Ferns and Springbok Women's Rugby World Cup preparations.
"Providing international rugby in a touring environment will accelerate the development of a wider group of players outside the Black Ferns and build the depth of women's rugby in New Zealand."
The Black Ferns XV have played just one previous fixture, a 38-12 win over the Manusina XV in Pukekohe in 2023.
In 2025 the Black Ferns XV will assemble on 29 June for a trial game against the Black Ferns in Whangarei on 5 July in what will be part of a double-header fixture at Semenoff Stadium also featuring the Māori All Blacks against Scotland.
Porter said the trial match would offer another chance for players 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.
"When you consider the three fixtures for the Black Ferns XV there are 24 days of assembly for the group, a major increase in high performance development opportunities for our top women's players," Porter said.
The Black Ferns XV coaching and management team will be announced in coming weeks.
