The Dale Atkins-coached Black Ferns will be defending the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy, which they claimed during their 2-0 series win over the Wallaroos in New Zealand last year.

The Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy is named in honour of the former Black Ferns selector and the man generally regarded as one of the pioneers of women’s rugby in New Zealand and is contested solely between the two countries.

Australian coach Steve Hamson said the visit of the Black Ferns would help continue the improvement of the national side and provide an international benchmark for elite women players.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for the team to measure themselves against the world’s best and credit must go to both unions for their commitment to setting this tour up,” said Hamson.

“Last year’s tour of New Zealand showed we weren’t too far away from the benchmark and playing them on home soil this year will give us our best chance of posting a win.”

Black Ferns coach Dale Atkins said the team was looking forward to their latest challenge against the Wallaroos.

“The two-Test series last year was fantastic for the team and for the promotion of women’s rugby in New Zealand.  I’m sure that that the two matches in Australia this year will see further focus on the women’s game across the Tasman,” said Atkins.

Atkins said the Black Ferns training squad had been on training programmes since November 2007 and this had seen development in the players’ skills and fitness.

Wallaroos Match Schedule
14 October 2008 v Black Ferns*
18 October 2008 v Black Ferns*

* Venues TBC