The Black Ferns will play its first ever game in Nelson later this year. Photo: All Blacks.com

Black Ferns coming to Nelson

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Following the All Blacks historic test in Nelson in 2018, their female counterparts are set to debut at Trafalgar Park later this year.

The Black Ferns will take on a New Zealand Barbarians team on November 21.

The match is one of three to replace the scheduled 2021 Test Series following COVID-19 restrictions.

Tasman Rugby Union CEO Tony Lewis says not only is the announcement great news for the union, but more importantly the city and region.

“We wanted the Top of the South to have an international event and the Black Ferns was an obvious one.”

Tony says to have both the All Blacks and Black Ferns play their first ever matches in Nelson within the space of two years shows the faith NZ Rugby has in the Tasman Union.

“It shows we are bloody good at putting on events, our staff are superb.”

The squad will spend seven days in Nelson with a number of events planned around celebrating women in sport and business as well as school visits.

Tony says he hopes to make Nelson the home of the Black Ferns and is confident of a bumper crowd.

“I’d be very saddened and surprised if the whole Top of the South don’t get behind this, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to support and embrace female rugby in region.”

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Mark Robinson says the opportunity for fans to see New Zealand’s best female players back in black was an exciting prospect.

“We have been treated to an outstanding provincial competition which has captured the excitement of the women’s game and this series will give the best of the best an opportunity to vie for higher honours. Selection for Rugby World Cup 2021 is no doubt on all the players’ minds.”

Mark says it’s great to be able to take the team to Nelson for the first time.

Black Ferns v New Zealand Barbarians

Saturday, 21 November

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

Kick-off: 4.35pm