Landmark nine-game deal penned between world’s top two

England and New Zealand have penned a historic nine-game test deal to run right up to the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup. The deal will see England and the world champion Black Ferns do battle in three back to back tests in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with England hosting the tests in the first two years and New Zealand hosting the final series.

The deal is a landmark in the women's game, given how infrequently the world's top two sides play each other and given the rarity of seeing New Zealand in action. Between the last two World Cups New Zealand played just four test matches.

Before the 2010 World Cup Final, England played New Zealand in just two tests in four years. The deal will also in no doubt help England edge ever closer to the their major rivals, who have pipped them to the post at the last three World Cup finals.

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the Rugby Football Union for Women, said: We are really excited about this announcement. It is the first time that we have had a three year commitment to play New Zealand and this will do wonders from both a playing and profile perspective.

This agreement is the icing on the cake for us. We now have regular tests against the current World Champions, as well against the USA and Canada in the Nations Cup, and of course Europes best in the Womens RBS 6 Nations.

We could not have delivered this significant improvement to our competition programme without the support of our colleagues at the RFU. This agreement is a testament to how serious womens rugby is now being taken in England.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said: This is a huge step forward for us and the Black Ferns. We have been working for a number of years to find meaningful opportunities and opponents for the Black Ferns and we are grateful to the RFU for making this possible.

To know that we are going to see the worlds two top womens rugby teams in action for nine internationals over the next three years is really exciting. It will be hugely beneficial for both teams as they prepare for the Womens Rugby World Cup.

We have not only achieved a regular programme against quality opposition but we have also been able to create a fantastic touring opportunity for these teams funded in large part by the RFU which demonstrates the respect that is held for our world champions.

England and New Zealand will play their first test on November 26th with the second and third tests on November 29th and December 3rd. All venues and kick off times will be confirmed in due course