England Women to play three Tests in New Zealand in World Cup build-up

England are top of the Women's Six Nations after winning their first three matches

England Women will play Australia, Canada and New Zealand in June as they prepare for the World Cup in Ireland in August.

The three Tests the world champions will play in the International Series will be in New Zealand.

"To be the best we have to play the best," coach Simon Middleton said.

The match against New Zealand in Rotorua on 17 June will be followed the British and Irish Lions taking on the Maori All Blacks.

England Women fixtures:

9 June: v Australia (Porirua Park, Wellington)

13 June: v Canada (Rugby Park, Christchurch)

17 June: v New Zealand (Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua)