The country's top women's rugby players will be in action in a nine-week Farah Palmer Cup with the 2020 draw released by New Zealand Rugby yesterday.

Fans will be treated to some thrilling action with leading Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens players representing their Provincial Unions across 39 matches, kicking off on Saturday August 22.

New Zealand Rugby's Head of Women's Rugby Cate Sexton said Provincial Unions are well under way in their preparation for what promises to be an exciting season.

'There is a lot on the line this season because the level of competition continues to grow, and players will be eager to impress. The allure of a black jersey, with the World Cup at home next year will no doubt bring the best out of players and teams,” says Cate.

The Farah Palmer Cup will be played in two pools split geographically with Northland, North Harbour, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki making up the seven-team North pool.

The South pool will start on Saturday September 5 with Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Tasman and Otago joining reigning champions Canterbury.

The top two teams from each pool take part in crossover semi-finals and the Final will be held a week later on October 17.

At least 16 matches are set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports during round robin and a weekly highlights show will make sure fans can be across all the best action.

The Bay of Plenty Volcanix will be playing in two double header games with Mitre 10 Cup teams, one of which will be in front of a home crowd at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Click here to download the 2020 Farah Palmer Cup draw.