The Women’s Game in England has been given a boost with the news that the Six Nations champions will take on world champions New Zealand at Twickenham on 21 November, the same day that their male counterparts face the All Blacks at the home of English rugby.

It will be the first time the England men’s and women’s national sides will take to the pitch for a double header, giving fans from both sides of the world the chance to witness some of the game's best male and female rugby players at one sporting venue

"The opportunity to play at Twickenham Stadium in a double header with England men will be a fantastic showpiece for women's rugby and a chance to show the wider rugby audience what world class women's rugby is all about,” said England Women’s coach Gary Street.

The Black Ferns’ tour takes on extra significance with the Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place in England in August and September next year, providing both sides the chance to test themselves against the best in the world as preparations begin to gather momentum.

Exciting development

New Zealand are the defending champions, having edged a hard fought but pulsating final with England 25-17 at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, in September 2006 to claim a third successive World Cup title.

"We're all very excited about playing New Zealand, especially as it will be our first game against them since the last World Cup. It will be a real bench mark for us as we look ahead to next year's World Cup,” continued Street, whose side won a fourth successive Six Nations title earlier this year.

RFUW Managing Director Rosie Williams added: "This is another very exciting development for the Women's Game in England. We have seen in cricket how a successful Women's World Cup campaign can add to the men's game rather than compete with it and we are looking to make a similar statement in Rugby.

“Playing the current World Champions at the home of English Rugby and being supported by one of the leading commercial sponsors of the game is not only a fantastic opportunity for the players but also for the profile of the game.

"Women's rugby will have a very high profile over the next 14 months, culminating in the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup being held in London. Women's Rugby is one of the fastest growing parts of the Game in England and with this growth in popularity we hope to be able to attract commercial supporters like Investec to invest in the game over the long term."