Alana Bremner departs Matatū to take up an offshore opportunity

Alana Bremner is leaving Matatū to join Ealing Trailfinders in the Premiership Women’s Rugby in England, closing a chapter that’s been central to who we are and how we’ve grown as a club. .

Alana was part of Matatū from the very beginning. When she first pulled on the jersey in the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season, she arrived with the grounding of a Cantabrian and the work ethic of a rising Black Fern, but what stood out most was how quickly she shaped the identity of a brand‑new club.   

She brought a calm, team‑first approach that gave players around her confidence and set the tone for how we wanted to compete and connect. 

Across four seasons she grew into one of the most influential figures in our environment.  

One of the defining moments of her time here was the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki title. As captain, she guided the group with a steady presence and a belief that never wavered. Her leadership was consistent, honest and grounded, and it influenced the standards that continue to anchor this team. 

Her impact extended well beyond results. Alana helped establish an ethos that encouraged players to take ownership of their preparation and to be accountable to each other. Younger athletes often turned to her because she made space for them, helped them find clarity in their roles and modelled what it looked like to carry yourself in a professional environment. 

At provincial level, she earned 64 appearances for Canterbury and played a leading role in four consecutive Farah Palmer Cup titles. She also became the first woman to reach 50 matches for both Lincoln University and Canterbury.  

Internationally, she debuted for the Black Ferns in 2021, scored a try in her first test, and went on to lift the Rugby World Cup later that year. By 2025, she had 35 caps and had become a key part of the national forward pack. 

Alana always carried a deep pride for her home region and always spoke openly about what it meant to represent the places and people who shaped her. 

Although we now prepare to move forward without one of our most influential players, Alana leaves behind a blueprint that will continue to guide Matatū for years. Her professionalism, her care for the people around her and her ability to steady a group in pressure moments have all become part of our fabric and we’re grateful for every part of it.