Black Ferns lose captain before tour

The Black Ferns have suffered a major blow ahead of their tour to England with captain Melissa Ruscoe ruled out with concussion.

Ruscoe sustained a head-knock during the women's national provincial semifinal against Hawke's Bay earlier this month.

The Cantabrian was given as much time as possible to be fit for the tour, but her condition has not improved enough for medical staff to clear Ruscoe to travel to London on 9 November.

Coach Brian Evans said this was very disappointing for the blindside flanker.

"Melissa has led this team well and opportunities like this are special in a Black Ferns career. However, her well-being is paramount and her focus is to get herself right for when the Black Ferns set out to defend their Women's Rugby World Cup title in 2010," said Evans.

Ruscoe's injury means a first time call-up for Auckland's Aroha Savage.

She will join the Black Ferns squad when the world champions assemble in Auckland next weekend before heading to England for the three-match tour.

The Black Ferns are playing at the famous Twickenham ground the same day the All Blacks play England there on November 21