Black Ferns Sevens duo make Matatū debuts

For the first time in Super Rugby Aupiki, the 2026 competition has seen an injection of nine Black Ferns Sevens players across all four clubs.

With the competition shifting later in the calendar, Black Ferns Sevens players have been able to step into the fifteens game, bringing a different flair and type of play to the competition.

For Matatū, that opportunity has already seen two players pull on the jersey for the very first time.

Maia Davis and Alena Saili made their Matatū debuts against Hurricanes Poua at Maidstone Park, becoming Matatū players #67 and #68 respectively.

For Saili – the Southland product who was born in Porirua and raised in Invercargill – had plenty of family in the crowd to witness the occasion.

“My family is stoked that I get to play, put on the jersey, representing them, and obviously representing Southland and also Matatū. I’m pretty excited to be able to represent my region again,” says Saili.

That shift from sevens into the fifteens environment has also brought a new layer to her game.

“It’s been pretty good and the girls here have been really helpful. It’s definitely more of a mental game now.

“Obviously sevens is shorter, but in fifteens you’re staying on for the whole 80 minutes, so just staying switched on for longer is something I’m working on,” says Saili.

For Davis, the experience has been just as rewarding, settling quickly into the Matatū environment.

“I’ve loved it so much. Everyone is so welcoming – the environment is amazing,” says Davis.

Like Saili, she’s felt the difference in physicality, but is embracing the challenge that comes with returning to fifteens.

“It’s a lot more physical, a lot more bodies, but I love being back and being in the fifteens jersey. It’s cool to be able to play both,” says Davis.

While the formats demand different things, Davis says there are still strengths she can carry across.

“I’d say probably my vision – seeing the space and being able to communicate it to the girls. Sometimes in fifteens it’s about winning the collision, so being able to show where the space is, that’s probably what I bring,” says Davis.

The later season window has opened the door not just for Saili and Davis, but for a wider group of sevens players to feature across the competition.

Saili says the chance to play consistent rugby has been a highlight.

“It’s really exciting. There are heaps of us from sevens playing, and we get the opportunity to play rugby every weekend. Just getting out there, playing with freedom and having some fun – that Matatū magic.”