New Zealand and Australia announce historic women's U21 rugby match

New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have announced a historic women’s under-21 international rugby fixture. The match between the New Zealand Under 21 team and the Australia NextGen side is scheduled for 31 October at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

This event marks the first time either nation has assembled a national women’s age-grade fifteens team for an international fixture. The match will be held as a double-header alongside the Black Ferns’ third Test against France during the 2026 WXV Global Series.

The Australian coaching staff for the NextGen side will include Iliseva Batibasaga as head coach, with former Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry overseeing defense and Alapeta Ngauamo managing set pieces. The fixture is intended to support the development of both emerging players and coaches within the women’s rugby pathway.