The Black Ferns Development XV arrived yesterday ready to spice up next week’s 2019 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship in Lautoka.

Head coach Wayne Maxwell said they aim to provide good competition against the Fiji Airways Fijiana XV, Manusina (Samoa), Papua New Guinea, Australia A and Tonga.

“We’re in with some new girls and we hope to make a memorable experience for the other Black Ferns so that they can learn a little bit more about the game,” he said.

“We’ve got some Black Ferns in the team, those that have played in the Super Series earlier this year.

“Predominantly a lot of the girls that are still young are developing so it just gives them a good chance to get some more game time on the pitch so we are pretty excited about that.”

2021 WORLD CUP

Australia and New Zealand have already qualified, the highest placed team from the remaining four nations will gain a direct berth to the 2021 World Cup, while the next best team will advance to the repechage tournament.

The Oceania tournament is scheduled to be played at Churchill Park in Lautoka, over four rounds on November 18-30.

DEVELOPMENT

”Women’s rugby has grown and developed so much over the last three to five years.

“For something like this to happen is excellent for the girls to experience what this is like, the path way’s getting a bit clearer and around women’s rugby there’s so much more opportunity for them now which is awesome.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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