The Wallaroos have confirmed they will travel to New Zealand as part of the Pacific Four Series in June.
This will see Jay Tregonning's side take on the Kiwis, Canada and the USA in the annual event.
Purchase your tickets for the Wallaroos' Test matches against Fiji and Japan
The Wallaroos will open their account against traditional rivals Black Ferns on June 6, which will serve as a preview for the opening match of this year's Rugby World Cup.
They will then travel to Waitakere to face sixth-ranked USA on June 12 before rounding out the tournament against Canada on June 18 in Whangarei.
“World Rugby is committed to increasing the competitiveness of the women’s game at the elite level through high-performance competitions. The Pacific Four Series comes at an exciting time in 2022 as these four teams look to build on their preparations for Rugby World Cup 2021 as well as looking further afield to WXV in 2023," World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said in a statement.
“In addition, the Pacific Four Series will also provide fans with an exciting opportunity to witness four of the world’s top teams in action prior to Rugby World Cup 2021, giving them a taste of what they can expect to see in October and November this year.
“Preparations for Rugby World Cup 2021 are progressing at a rapid pace, and it is fantastic that we will be using The Trusts Arena in Auckland and Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei for the Pacific Four Series in June.
"This is an incredibly exciting year for women’s rugby, especially for New Zealanders, and we look forward to what will be two great showcases of the women’s game in the country.”
The series will prove as crucial preparation ahead of the hallmark event, with the Wallaroos set to face Fijiana and Japan in May.
They will confirm a squad in the coming days, set to enter camp next week to begin preparations for a crucial year.
“This is a huge announcement to kickoff what is going to be an important period for the team; with our second camp next week and a Test series early next month," head coach Jay Tregonning said.
“With so few opportunities to play Tests in the last two years, the Pacific Four Series adds to an important schedule of warm-up matches for the World Cup.
“To play the likes of Canada and the USA is not a privilege we’ve often had in the past and now having an annual competition with three of the top nations in the World is a huge step forward for this team and for Women’s Rugby in Australia.
“We’ve spoken at length around taking our opportunities to play the best national sides in the World on a regular basis, and this competition will give us an opportunity to do that as we aim to keep moving our Women’s program forward.”
Wallaroos Pacific Four schedule
Monday 6 June, 2022. KO 14:45 local time
New Zealand v Australia, TBC
Sunday 12 June, 2022. KO 12:15 local time
USA v Australia, The Trusts Arena, Waitakere, Auckland
Saturday 18 June. KO 13:30 local time
Australia v Canada, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei
