Five new caps have been named today in the Black Ferns squad to tour England in November.

Black Ferns coach Brian Evans and assistant coach Grant Hansen named Auckland's Renee Wickcliffe, Canterbury's Amanda Murphy and Barbara Chittock, Wellington's Claire Rowat and Otago's Kelly Brazier in their 26-women squad for their three-match tour of England.

The squad includes 20 women who played in the national provincial championship final between Canterbury and Auckland in Christchurch on Saturday. Auckland retained its championship title, winning 24-20.

Fifteen players return from the 2008 Black Ferns squad, while six players are back in the team after a period away.

"The great thing about this Black Ferns squad to tour England is there's a solid foundation of experienced players as well as an injection of new talent into the mix," said Evans.

"These new players earned their jerseys through impressive provincial campaigns and that's a very encouraging sign as we set our sights on next year's World Cup."

The Black Ferns will assemble at the Millennium Institute in Auckland from 6-9 November before heading to England for a three-match tour, which includes a second Test against England on November 21, forming an exciting Twickenham double-header with the All Blacks taking on England as part of the same event.

2009 Black Ferns squad: Kelly Brazier* Otago Olivia Coady Canterbury Kendra Cocksedge Canterbury Barbara Chittock* Canterbury Fiao'o Faamausili Auckland Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) Auckland Victoria Heighway Auckland Carla Hohepa Otago Linda Itunu Auckland Emma Jensen Auckland Justine Lavea# Auckland Ruth McKay Manawatu Rebecca Mahony (nee Hull) Wellington Beth Mallard Otago Huriana Manuel Auckland Amanda Murphy* Canterbury Karina Penetito# Auckland Casey Robertson# Canterbury Vita Robinson# Auckland Claire Rowat* Wellington Amiria Rule# (nee Marsh) Canterbury Melissa Ruscoe Canterbury Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox Canterbury Anika Tiplady# Canterbury Kimberly Smith Canterbury Renee Wickcliffe* Auckland * denotes new caps. # denotes players returning to the Black Ferns after time away.

Unavailable for selection: Monalisa Codling (overseas), Hannah Porter (retired) and Doris Taufateau (injured).

Black Ferns tour to England match schedule (all times are local)

Saturday 14 November v England, Esher RFC, kick off 4.00pm Tuesday 17 November v England A, Esher RFC, kick off 7.00pm Saturday 21 November v England, Twickenham, kick off 4.45pm