Matatū (rugby union)

Matatū is a New Zealand women's professional rugby union team that will compete in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. Matatū will represent the South Island, specifically the regions covered by the Crusaders and the Highlanders. They will be governed by the Crusaders.[1]

Matatū
UnionNew Zealand Rugby Union
Founded2021
LocationChristchurch, New Zealand
RegionTasman
Canterbury
Otago
Coach(es)Blair Baxter
League(s)Super Rugby Aupiki
Official website
www.matatu.co.nz

History

The team’s name, logo and colours were officially unveiled on 12 October 2021. The name, logo and colours were created by a local artist and designer Morgan Mathews-Hale in partnership with Te Whaka Ako Limited. Matatū is a name gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, which is one of five primary hapū of the Ngai Tahu iwi.[2]

Name

The name Matatū has been gifted to symbolise the teams tūmanawa (determined sacrifice), tūaho (legacy), tūhono (connections) and tūtira (unity) in representing Te Waka o Aoraki.[3]

Current squad

On 3 November 2021, the squad for Super Rugby Aupiki was announced.[4]

Matatū Super Rugby Aupiki squad

Props

Hookers

  • Georgia Ponsonby

Locks

  • Chelsea Bremner
  • Julia Gorinski
  • Michaela Leonard

Loose Forwards

  • Alana Bremner
  • Natalie Delamere
  • Lucy Jenkins
  • Greer Muir
  • Marcelle Parkes

Halfbacks (Scrum-halves)

First Five-Eighths (Fly-halves)

  • Terauoriwa Gapper
  • Rosie Kelly
  • Arabella McKenzie

Midfielders (Centres)

  • Lucy Anderson
  • Grace Brooker
  • Amy du Plessis
  • Liv McGoverne

Outside Backs

  • Renee Holmes
  • Martha Mataele
  • Kilisitina Moata'ane
  • Grace Steinmetz
(cc) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, SP denotes a shadow player and ST indicated short-term cover.

    Staff

    Blair Baxter was announced as coach,[5] with Whitney Hansen and Tony Christie appointed as the two assistant coaches.

    References
    1. "MATATŪ". thehighlanders.co.nz. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
    2. "Matatū to represent the South Island in Super Rugby Aupiki". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
    3. https://www.matatu.co.nz/visit
    4. "Inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki squads announced". superrugby.co.nz. 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
    5. "Blair Baxter appointed Head Coach of new South Island Women's team for Super Rugby Aupiki". crusaders.co.nz. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
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