Amy Rule Re-Signs for Matatū
World Cup winning Black Fern Amy Rule has signed on with Matatū for her third season and will suit up as one of the key players for the defending champions.
The Southlander is looking forward to what the extended 2024 Aupiki competition has to offer,
“I’m excited to build on last year’s successful season and continue to strive for greatness on the field as an individual for the team. I’m excited for the newbies to come into this semi-professional environment and to get a taste of exciting brand of footy especially with the competition being expanded this year.”
A highlight of Rule’s 2023 Aupiki season came in the final against the Chiefs with her opening try to start to shift the momentum after a flurry of Chiefs Manawa tries.
Amy Rule scores Matatū’s opener against the Chiefs Manawa in the 2023 Aupiki Final - Image: Matatū Rugby Team
Head Coach Whitney Hansen is full of praise for her young prop.
“I think she’s unique within her position. She’s incredibly mobile and has a great skillset, but she’s also an epic human being within our squad.
“She’s one of the best tightheads in the world. You only have to look at her impact in the Black Ferns during WXV to see what she can do.”
The feeling is mutual for Rule, who has heaped praise onto her new Head Coach,
“Whitney Hansen is a legend in the game. She is pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for women in rugby to thrive, as well as creating an environment where there is enjoyment but also high performance. She takes a people first approach and her success speaks for itself really.
On-field skills aside, Rule is integral to the culture at Matatū, as Hansen explains,
“Her commitment and contribution to the Matatū environment is immense. She connects the group, drives standards and models what the expectation is.”
Matatū comes into the season in a good space, with 18 of last year’s squad achieving higher honours with either the Black Ferns or Black Ferns XV in recent months, something that excites Rule,
“It’s awesome to see my team mates reach higher honours. There is so much talent in the whole country and it’s growing every day. I believe our success is down to our values but also the team behind the team – our management are incredible people who are passionate about the game just as much as the players and they are all world class at what they do. We are very fortunate to be able to have that support so we can thrive as athletes.
Catch Amy Rule in action for Matatū again this season when Aupiki starts in early 2024.