England's Red Roses To Tour New Zealand In June

Over the recent Six Nations fixtures, the England Red Roses side has featured eight Bristol Ladies players including Captain Sarah Hunter and Olympians Danielle Waterman and Amy Wilson Hardy. Poppy Cleall, Izzy Noel-Smith, Amber Reed, Marlie Packer and Sarah Bern have also worn the white jersey over the past few weeks. 

All will be hoping to be included in the 28-player Red Roses squad that will travel to New Zealand from June, 2nd to 8th to take part in the 2017 International Women's Series ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland in August.

The series includes a double header at Roturua International Stadium on Saturday, June 17th with the Red Roses taking on New Zealand before the British & Irish Lions face the Maori All Blacks.

England begin the tournament on Friday, June 9th at Porirua Park, Wellington, where they take on Australia for the first time in seven years. The last time the two sides met England ran out 15-0 winners at the Twickenham Stoop in the semi-final of the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

They then travel to Christchurch to play Canada at Rugby Park on Tuesday, June 13th before finishing their tour in Roturua.

England Women head coach Simon Middleton said: “We are delighted to be part of the International Women’s Series in New Zealand this summer.

“To be the best we have to play the best. Travelling to New Zealand, a fantastic rugby nation, to take on three of the best sides in the world will provide us with the ideal preparation for the World Cup in August.”

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore added: “England is currently ranked second, Canada third and Australia sixth so we are expecting a tough series. Every team is out to prove themselves.”

After three rounds of the 2017 Women’s Six Nations, the Red Roses are unbeaten and lead the competition on points difference following Saturday’s 29-15 bonus-point win over Italy at the Twickenham Stoop.

They return to the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, March 11th, when they take on Scotland (KO 1pm).

Tickets are available from £5 via the Harlequins website.

England Women fixtures, International Women's Rugby Series

Australia v England

Friday, June 9th - Porirua Park, Wellington

Canada v England

Tuesday, June 13th - Rugby Park, Christchurch

New Zealand v England

Saturday, June 17th - Rotorua International Stadium

(followed by Maori All Blacks  v British & Irish Lions)