The Black Ferns of New Zealand have officially landed in England, and experienced a royal visit in the run up to their exhibition Test match against the Red Roses. It was smiles all round as the Black Ferns visited Buckingham Palace, where they were greeted by none other than His Majesty King Charles III.
In a very wholesome moment captured by Royal Family cameraman Duncan Stone, the King approaches the Black Ferns at his royal household and is asked if he would like a group hug. In a video that was published by New Zealand news outlet ‘Stuff NZ’ and has since gone viral across social media platform X, the King simply replied “Why not!” before being joined by the touring Black Ferns.
The Black Ferns are preparing for Saturday’s hotly anticipated Test match with England, which will put the world’s number one ranked women team, the Red Roses, up against the back-to-back Women’s Rugby World Cup winning Black Ferns. This star-studded fixture is set to take centre stage at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, in what will be the final preparations for both sides, ahead of their trip over to Canada for WXV1.
The Red Roses and Black Ferns will then meet again on the pitch out in British Colombia, when they collide for round two of their respective WXV campaigns on Sunday October 6th.