Matatū (rugby union)

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Matatū
Matatu rugby union logo.jpg
UnionNew Zealand Rugby Union
Founded2021
LocationChristchurch, New Zealand
RegionTasman
Canterbury
Otago
Coach(es)Blair Baxter
Captain(s)Alana Bremner
League(s)Super Rugby Aupiki
Official website
www.matatu.co.nz

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

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]

Blair Baxter was announced as Head Coach, Whitney Hansen and Tony Christie were appointed as the two assistant coaches.[3]

Matatū played their first game against the Chiefs Manawa in a pre-season match ahead of the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season at the Owen Delany Park in Taupō. kicked the teams first-ever points and scored their first try. Chiefs Manawa won the match 28–20.[4][5] Matatū and Chiefs Manawa met five days later to play the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki match on 10 March 2022. It was a historical moment for Matatū as this was their first team to take the field. It was a tense match but Chiefs Manawa edged Matatū 17–15 to win the second match between the teams.[6][7][8]

Matatū next played the Blues Women in round 2 of the competition, they lost the game 10–21.[9][10]

Name[]

The name Matatū, literally meaning "alert or vigilant", has been gifted to symbolise the teams tūmanawa (determined sacrifice), tūaho (legacy), tūhono (connections) and tūtira (unity) in representing Te Waka o Aoraki (the South Island).[11]

Current squad[]

On 3 November 2021, the squad for Super Rugby Aupiki was announced.[12]

Matatū Super Rugby Aupiki squad

Props

Hookers

  • New Zealand Georgia Ponsonby

Locks

  • New Zealand Chelsea Bremner
  • New Zealand
  • Australia Michaela Leonard

Loose Forwards

Halfbacks (Scrum-halves)

First Five-Eighths (Fly-halves)

  • New Zealand
  • New Zealand
  • Australia Arabella McKenzie

Midfielders (Centres)

  • New Zealand
  • New Zealand Grace Brooker
  • New Zealand Amy du Plessis
  • New Zealand

Outside Backs

(cc) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, SP denotes a shadow player[further explanation needed] and ST indicated short-term cover.

2022 coaching staff[]

  • Head Coach: Blair Baxter
  • Assistant Coach: Whitney Hansen (Set Piece)
  • Assistant Coach: Tony Christie (Attack)

Captain[]

  • New Zealand Alana Bremner (2022)

Coach[]

Matatū coaches by date, matches and win percentage*
Coach Period G W D L %
2022– 2 0 0 2 000.00
Totals (2022–present)* 2 0 0 2 000.00
Updated to: 16 March 2022

Notes:

^* Official Super Rugby Aupiki competition matches only, including finals.

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. ^ "Blair Baxter appointed Head Coach of new South Island Women's team for Super Rugby Aupiki". crusaders.co.nz. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Matatū team named for pre-season clash with Chiefs Manawa". superrugby.co.nz. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  5. ^ "Chiefs Manawa hold on to defeat Matatū in pre-season hit-out". superrugby.co.nz. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  6. ^ "Matatū team announced for inaugural Sky Super Rugby Aupiki clash". superrugby.co.nz. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  7. ^ "PREVIEW: Chiefs Manawa v Matatū". superrugby.co.nz. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  8. ^ Burnes, Campbell (10 March 2022). "Chiefs Manawa edge Matatū in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki opener". superrugby.co.nz. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  9. ^ "Matatū side named to face nib Blues in Hamilton". superrugby.co.nz. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  10. ^ Burnes, Campbell (15 March 2022). "Blues full of merit in downing Matatū". superrugby.co.nz. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  11. ^ "Our Story - Matatū Rugby". Matatū. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  12. ^ "Inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki squads announced". superrugby.co.nz. 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2021-11-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

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