World Rugby has today unveiled the bumper match schedule for WXV, which sees the Red Roses go up against Australia on the opening weekend.
The new women’s international 15s competition, designed to increase the competitiveness, reach and impact of elite women’s rugby, boasts three levels with New Zealand welcoming the world’s top teams, including England, in the six-team top level WXV 1.
Matches will take place on Fridays and Saturdays with a combination of standalone and double header fixtures, maximising fan attendance and helping to create an exciting atmosphere in the host cities.
Sky Stadium in Wellington will kick-off proceedings on Friday, 20 October (KO 19:00 NZDT | 07:00 BST) with England taking on the Wallaroos before travelling to Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium to play Canada a week later (Friday, 27 October, KO 19:00 NZDT | 07:00 BST).
The final round of an action-packed blockbuster WXV 1 will see the Red Roses go head-to-head with hosts New Zealand at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, on Saturday 4 November (KO 19:00 NZDT | 07:00 BST).
Red Roses forwards coach Louis Deacon said: “We’re excited by the opportunity to test ourselves against some of the world’s best in a competition which we will hopefully see aid the growth of the women’s game.
“New Zealand is an incredible, rugby-loving nation; one that cares deeply about women’s sport. We made great memories here in the 2021 Rugby World Cup and although the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, it was another period we could connect and bond as a group, on and off the field.
“The three WXV fixtures, as well as the summer series against Canada, will be a reliable barometer for where we are as a squad and the direction we’re headed.”
Captain Marlie Packer added: “It’s always a privilege to represent your country, especially in a hotbed for international women’s rugby.
“WXV presents another opportunity to take further strides forward on the next part of our journey together. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Red Roses.
“We want to continue to test ourselves against the best teams in the world; there’s no better way to do that than playing in this exciting new tournament. We’re relishing facing three world-class teams in Australia, Canada and New Zealand this autumn.”
Before heading out to New Zealand, the Red Roses have a two-Test series on home soil to look forward to.
Canada will provide the opposition with matches taking place at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Saturday 23 September (KO 14:30 BST) and at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium on Saturday 30 September (KO 15:00 BST).
Tickets are on general sale for both fixtures, priced from £5 for kids and £10 for adults, and can be purchased from EnglandRugby.com.
Upcoming Red Roses fixtures in 2023
Red Roses v Canada
Summer Series
Sandy Park, Exeter
Saturday, 23 September (KO 14:30 BST)
Click here to buy your tickets
Red Roses v Canada
Summer Series
StoneX Stadium, London
Saturday, 30 September (KO 15:00 BST)
Click here to buy your tickets
Red Roses v Australia
WXV
Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
Friday, 20 October (KO 19:00 NZDT | 07:00 BST)
Red Roses v Canada
WXV
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand
Friday, 27 October (KO 19:00 NZDT | 07:00 BST)
Red Roses v New Zealand
WXV
Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
Saturday, 4 November (KO 19:00 NZDT | 07:00 BST)
With thanks to the RFU
