International returns, domestic transfers and fresh talent – Matatū are all set to take the field for the third season of Super Rugby Aupiki, an expanded competition with twice the game time.

Matatū are defending the title they won over the Chiefs after a nail-biting 2023 final in Hamilton.

Alana Bremner will once again captain the side, looking forward to the challenge of defending a title.

“We’re so much more than a rugby team at Matatū. We focus just as much on our on-field performance as our off-field culture,” Bremner said.

“For us it’s all about connection, about legacy, about being there for each other, having high standards and holding each other accountable – success on the field is just a product of all the other stuff.”

Alana Bremner with Kendra Cocksedge at a Matatū training in early 2023 - Matatū

Matatū has managed to retain the majority of our title-winning squad from last season, with senior players and playmakers set to line up alongside eight new signings and one returner.

Maia Joseph joins the squad from Otago and played for the Black Ferns XV in September. She was named the Fiao’o Faamausili Medal FPC Player of the Year at the 2022 ASB Rugby Awards, and clearly has a bright future.

Other new recruits for Matatū who also played for Black Ferns XV include Laura Bayfield and Holly Wratt-Groeneweg.

Stacey Niao and Winnie Palamo join from Canterbury, Tegan Hollows joins from Otago and Fiaali’i Solomona joins from Tasman.

Kaipo Olsen-Baker has plied her trade with Hurricanes Poua until now, but has made the move south to challenge herself in a new environment.

Meanwhile, Liv McGoverne has returned from a stellar season with the Exeter Chiefs in the Premier 15s competition in England, alongside another Exeter Chiefs teammate and Matatū recruit, Charlotte Woodman. McGoverne was a foundational member of Matatū in 2021.

Whitney Hansen, the newly named Matatū Head Coach, said the squad was an “exciting mix of fresh talent and experience”.

“This is a squad to be excited about, we have really great depth across all positions, which is reflective of the great work being done in Otago, Canterbury and Tasman and the connections and pathways growing across these spaces.

We have a large number of returning players who are all phenomenal athletes, have great connections and will be great role models for the new talent coming through. Most importantly this is a squad of athletes all committed to finding out how great they can be and great we can become as a team” Hansen said.

The Super Rugby Aupiki draw, confirming the playing schedule for the 2024 season, will be released in the coming weeks.

Natalie Delamere was unavailable for selection due to injury

Full Squad:

Alana Bremner (CAPTAIN)
Amy Du Plessis
Amy Rule
Atlanta Lolohea
Charlotte Woodman*
Chey Robins-Reti
Cheyenne Cunningham
Di Hiini
Eilis Doyle
Emma Dermody
Fiaali'i Solomona*
Georgia Cormick
Georgia Ponsonby
Grace Brooker
Holly Wratt-Groeneweg*
Kaipo Olsen-Baker*
Kendra Reynolds
Laura Bayfield*
Leah Miles
Liv McGoverne
Lucy Jenkins
Maia Joseph*
Marcelle Parkes
Martha Mataele
Moomooga Ashley Palu
Pip Love
Rosie Kelly
Stacey Niao*
Tegan Hollows*
Winnie Palamo*

*first Matatū contract

Thank you to all our departing players

Charntay Poko
Cindy Nelles
Grace Steinmetz
Renee Holmes
Sera Naiqama
Terauoriwa Gapper
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox

Matatū squad confirmed for title defence in 2024

Matatū Draw and Pre-Season Fixture Confirmed

Liv McGoverne Signs for 2024