Black Ferns set for afternoon rugby across Aotearoa

An epic series of afternoon kick-offs in Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland will be a feature of the Black Ferns Pacific Four Series schedule as they set out to defend their title in 2024. 

The Black Ferns will start their Pacific Four Series against USA at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday 11 May at 2.05pm, before heading south to Ōtautahi Christchurch, to play Canada at 4.35pm on Sunday 19 May at Apollo Projects Stadium. North Harbour Stadium will host the trans-Tasman battle against Australia, on Saturday 25 May at 2.05pm, with the fixture doubling as the opening Test of the O’Reilly Cup, presented by Ryman Healthcare.

Tickets for the Pacific Four Series will be available to purchase from 10.00am Wednesday 20 March, and fans can register to get advance access to tickets here. The results of the Pacific Four Series will also dictate the Black Ferns WXV schedule later in the year with the top three sides gaining qualification for WXV1 and the bottom placed team destined for WXV2.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said:

“We are thrilled to have our Black Ferns starting their year on home soil. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all our fans to get behind our incredible wāhine toa. To have the Pacific Four Series matches hosted across Aotearoa-New Zealand is part of our wider strategy to ensure we are showcasing our Black Ferns to a wide audience, inspiring future generations, and allowing the team to connect with fans throughout the country.”

Hamilton City Council General Manager of Venues, Tourism and Events Sean Murray said:

“We’re excited to be hosting this much anticipated match at FMG Stadium Waikato. The Black Ferns will have the support of Waikato behind them, with a strong local fanbase and many travelling from further afield to watch the game. We welcome visitors to our vibrant city and encourage them to make a weekend of it – explore the world-class Hamilton Gardens, learn local history at Waikato Museum, and get a glimpse of our new tiger cubs at Hamilton Zoo.”

Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said:

“Venues Ōtautahi are thrilled to welcome the world champion Blacks Ferns back to Ōtautahi, Christchurch to play Canada at Apollo Projects Stadium. We can’t wait to see an incredible showcase of quality international Rugby Union right here on our doorstep and with a strong Cantabrian contingent in the squad, this is a wonderful opportunity for the team to play in front of their friends and whānau.”

ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction, Loren Aberhart said:

“Ōtautahi Christchurch is a powerhouse for women’s sport and so our city is pumped to welcome back the mighty Black Ferns to Apollo Projects Stadium.”

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director Auckland Stadiums, James Parkinson said:

“We are thrilled to be welcoming the Black Ferns back to North Harbour Stadium for their crucial match against the Wallaroos. North Harbour Stadium has a rich rugby union pedigree having hosted multiple All Blacks tests in the past and we are looking forward to building on the women’s rugby content at the venue, having hosted the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Semi-Finals and Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse games over the last few years. This match is an exciting opportunity for us to work with North Harbour Rugby and New Zealand Rugby to bring international rugby back to the North Shore for a family-friendly event.”

Black Ferns 2024 Fixtures: 
Pacific Four Series: 
Black Ferns v USA, Saturday 11 May, 2.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTON
Black Ferns v Canada, Sunday 19 May, 4.35pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, CHRISTCHURCH
Black Ferns vs. Australia, 2.05pm, Saturday 25 May, North Harbour Stadium, AUCKLAND (Doubles as the first O’Reilly Cup Test, presented by Ryman Healthcare)

O’Reilly Cup:
Australia vs. Black Ferns – Sunday 14 July, Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA