The All Blacks will play the curtain raiser for the New Zealand women's rugby team when both sides play England at Twickenham in November.

The world champion Black Ferns will be part of a rare double-header at the famous London ground on November 21, something coach Brian Evans believed would inspire his players.

"Twickenham has such great rugby history so it will be fantastic for the Black Ferns. Also getting the opportunity to play after the All Blacks versus England test is a great honour," he said.

"This is also a great chance to showcase the women's game to a wider audience and really show people what world-class women's rugby look like."

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said it would be a special day for the All Blacks and Black Ferns.

"The fans always make it a pretty special occasion there on test day and having the Black Ferns play will add to that," McCaw said.

The England women's rugby team are the chief rivals of the Black Ferns, having played them in the last two women's World Cup finals - in 2002 and 2006. The Black Ferns won both those finals.

England have also dominated European rugby, having won the Six Nations tournament four consecutive times.

The Black Ferns are playing two Tests against England and one international against England A as part of their build-up to the 2010 World Cup.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP