England Women to host France, New Zealand ahead of WXV 1 defence

England will host France and world champions New Zealand in September as they prepare for the defence of their WXV 1 women's rugby union title, it was announced on Thursday.

John Mitchell's side, who won a sixth straight Women's Six Nations title and a third consecutive Grand Slam at the weekend, will face France at Gloucester's Kingsholm ground on September 7 before taking on New Zealand at Twickenham a week later.

England beat New Zealand to win the inaugural WXV 1 title in Auckland in November. The second edition takes place in Canada from September 27 to October 13.

The competition is designed to improve the standard of international women's rugby between World Cups.

England's ultimate goal is to win another Women's Rugby World Cup after losing the past two finals to New Zealand.

England host the 2025 tournament.