New Zealand Rugby has announced a 10-test home international schedule as the Black Ferns and All Blacks prepare for their 2022 seasons.
Ruahei Demant in action for the Black Ferns. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2021 www.photosport.nz
The Black Ferns kick off their Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) preparations against Australia, Canada and the USA in the Pacific Four Series this June, while the All Blacks take on Ireland in a three-match series in July, before hosting Argentina and Australia during the Rugby Championship.
The Pacific Four Series will be the first international fixtures for the Black Ferns in New Zealand since August 2019, and the first series headed by new director of rugby Wayne Smith and his assistant coaches Wesley Clarke and Whitney Hansen.
After the Black Ferns' June tests, they will take on Australia again in August for the O'Reilly Cup.
The matches will serve as critical preparation for the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off at Eden Park on 8 October.
The All Blacks campaign will kick off on Saturday 2 July against Ireland at Eden Park, the first time the two sides have clashed since Ireland's victory in Dublin last November, followed by matches in Dunedin and Wellington.
The All Blacks home fixtures in the Rugby Championship feature two tests against Argentina in Christchurch and Hamilton, and a Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on 24 September.
Black Ferns and All Blacks International Home Test Schedule
2022 Pacific Four Series
1. Black Ferns vs Australia, Monday 6 June, 2.45PM, Venue TBC
2. Black Ferns vs Canada, Sunday 12 June, 2.45PM, WAITĀKERE
3. Blacks Ferns vs USA, Saturday 18 June, 4.00PM, WHANGĀREI
2022 Steinlager Series
1. All Blacks vs Ireland, Saturday 2 July, 7.05PM, AUCKLAND
2. All Blacks vs Ireland, Saturday 9 July, 7.05PM, DUNEDIN
3. All Blacks vs Ireland, Saturday 16 July, 7.05PM, WELLINGTON
Rugby Championship
1. All Blacks vs Argentina, Saturday 27 August, Kick-off time TBC, CHRISTCHURCH
2. All Blacks vs Argentina, Saturday 3 September, 7.05PM, HAMILTON
Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup
1. All Blacks vs Australia, Saturday 24 September, 7.05PM, AUCKLAND
Laurie O'Reilly Series (one of two test matches, the second to be played in Australia)
1. Black Ferns vs Australia, 20 August, 7.05PM, CHRISTCHURCH
RNZ