The Black Ferns have been put in a pool with Australia, Wales and the final qualification winner for next year’s women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The draw took place at Sky City Theatre on Friday morning, with prime minister Jacinda Ardern one of those in attendance.
New Zealand were one of the top ranked nations in band one for the draw, along with England and Canada. The seedings were done on where the teams were ranked on January 1, 2020.
Australia are arguably the weakest of the teams in band two and although there will be that local rivalry when they play against each other, the Black Ferns should be able to progress through to the next stage without any problems.
The World Cup will be played in Whangarei and Auckland, with the final at Eden Park.
Ardern said the World Cup was an opportunity to grow women’s rugby in not only New Zealand, but across the world and would also break down gender discrimination in sport.
The draw was done by Ardern, former Blacks Melodie Robinson and Dr Farah Palmer and Dan Carter.
The prime minister drew New Zealand into pool, while the other dignitaries completed the draw, with a big gasp coming from the crowd when Australia were put into the same pool as New Zealand.
AT A GLANCE
Women’s Rugby World Cup draw
Pool A
New Zealand
Australia
Wales
Final qualifier winner
Pool B
Canada
USA
Europe 1
Asia 1
Pool C
England
France
South Africa
Fiji
