The 2024 edition of the Pacific Four series officially kicked off on Monday when Canada downed the United States in California, before the Wallaroos and Black Ferns take to the pitch two weeks later in their first matches against Canada and USA respectively.
The third edition of the PAC4 series, the competition will be played across the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of this year's edition.
WHAT IS THE PACIFIC FOUR SERIES?
Developed in 2021, the Pacific Four, or PAC4, is a six-game tournament that was launched as a cross-regional qualification series for Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA to earn their place in the WXV tournament officially launched last year.
This year a Rugby World Cup 2025 automatic qualification is also on the line for either Australia or the USA (New Zealand and Canada qualified through their top four placings at the 2021 edition) with the top finisher of the two earning a place in next year's World Cup, while the top three teams will qualify for WXV1 to be played in Vancouver with the fourth-placed to play in WXV2 in Cape Town.
So, what is the WXV?
The WXV is an annual three-tiered competition, WXV1, WXV2, and WXV3. Eighteen teams will earn their place across the three tournaments through regional qualification competitions including the Pac4 and the women's Six Nations. Each WXV title will be contested by six teams divided into two pools in a split pool format.
The tournament will also determine the final six World Cup qualification places for the highest finishing WXV teams who have not yet qualified through RWC 2021 or regional tournaments.
Who has already qualified for WXV1 and WXV2?
After the final round of the women's Six Nations over the weekend, it's now been confirmed who the Wallaroos could face in September and October.
England, France and Ireland booked their places in WXV1 after they finished in the top three of the Six Nations tournament, while Italy and Scotland will compete in the WXV2.
Why is it important the Wallaroos qualify for WXV1?
As soon as Jo Yapp was announced as Wallaroos coach earlier this year she laid down the gauntlet for her squad, she wants the Wallaroos to be a top four team and the only way they can do that is by reaching WXV1 and competing against the best.
Last year the Wallaroos played one of their best seasons ever when they downed France for the first time since the 2010 World Cup as well as claiming wins over the USA and Wales. This year they'll want to go even further with Canada in their sights as well as a historic maiden win over the Black Ferns.
Entry into WXV1 will also give them a strong chance of qualifying directly into the 2025 World Cup.
FIXTURES:
Monday 29 April
USA 7-50 Canada, Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles, California, USA
Canada began their Pacific Four Series 2024 campaign with a strong 50-7 victory over USA in Los Angeles on Monday.
Last year's runners-up ran in eight tries as they underlined the five-place gap between themselves and the Women's Eagles in the world rankings.
Captain Sophie de Goede led from the front again by scoring two tries and 18 points and Claire Gallagher also bagged a brace in an impressive showing at half-back alongside Canada's livewire nine Olivia Apps.
Playing in front of their fans for the first time since 2021, USA started brightly trailing by just three points before halftime, but they were unable to hold back the tide as Canada ran in five second half tries.
Saturday 11 May
Black Ferns vs. USA, 12:05pm AEST, FMG Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand
Wallaroos vs. Canada, 4:55pm AEST, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia
Friday, 17 May
Wallaroos vs. USA, 4:55pm AEST, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia
Sunday, 19 May
Black Ferns vs. Canada, 2:35pm AEST, OrangeTheory Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
Saturday, 25 May
Black Ferns vs. Wallaroos, North Harbour Stadium, North Harbour, New Zealand
LAST YEAR'S STANDINGS
1. New Zealand: Three wins
2. Canada: Two wins, one loss
3. Australia: One win, two losses
4. USA: Three losses
SQUAD LISTS:
AUSTRALIA
Coach: Jo Yapp
Captain: Michaela Leonard
Allana Sikimeti*, Asoiva (Eva) Karpani, Brianna Hoy, Bridie O'Gorman, Sally Fuesaina*, Herb-Barb Malcom Heke*, Tania Naden, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Tiarah Minss*, Ashley Marsters, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Lydia Kavoa*, Siokapesi Palu, Piper Duck, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Layne Morgan, Samantha Wood*, Arabella McKenzie, Faitala Moleka, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Shalom Sauaso*, Trillen Pomare, Biola Dawa, Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse*, Lori Cramer.
CANADA
Coach: Kevin Rouet
Captain: Sophie De Goede
Alexandra Ellis, Brittany Kassil, Cassandra Tuffnail, Courtney Holtkamp, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian Boag, Julia Omokhuale, Laetitia Royer, McKinely Hunt, Olivia DeMerchant, Pamphinette Buisa, Sara Cline, Sara Svoboda, Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom, Alexandra Tessier, Claire Gallagher, Fancy Bermudez, Julia Schell, Justine Pelletier, Madison Grant, Mahalia Robinson, Olivia Apps, Paige Farries, Sabrina Poulin, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Allan Bunting
Captain: Ruahei Demant, Kennedy Simon
Kate Henwood, Chryss Viliko, Marcelle Parkes, Luka Connor, Georgia Ponsonby, Leaso Grace Gago Tiatia, Tanya Kalounivale, Amy Rule, Aldora Itunu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Charmaine Smith, Maama Vaipulu*, Alan Bremner, Kennedy Simon, Layla Sae, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph*, Ruahei Demant, Hannah King*, Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai'I, Amy du Plessis, Grace Steinmetz, Monica Tagoai, Ruby Tui, Mererangu Paul, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Patricia Maliepo, Renee Holmes.
USA
Coach: Sione Fukofuka
Captain: Kate Zackary
Alivia Leatherman, Amanda Berta, Atumata Hingano, Autumn Czaplicki, Bulou Mataitago, Cassidy Bargell, Caite Benson, Charli Jacoby, Emily Henrich, Erica Jarrell, Eti Haungatau, Freda Tafuna, Gabby Cantorna, Georgie Perris-Redding, Hallie Taufooi, Hope Rodgers, Jenny Kronish, Katana Howard, Kate Zackary, Kathryn Treder, Keia Mae Sagapiolu, Lotte Clapp, McKenzie Hawkins, Olivia Ortiz, Paige Stathopoulos, Rachel Johnson, Samantha Brackett, Tahlia Brody, Taina Tukuafu, Tess Feury.
* denotes potential debutants