2023 Matatū Squad Announced
Rookies and experience combine for a stellar Matatū squad for Super Rugby Aupiki 2023
Eight new players with five earning their first ever Super Rugby contract – here’s your Matatū squad for Super Rugby Aupiki 2023.
Lining up for the second ever season of Super Rugby Aupiki, and one not severely impacted by a global pandemic, Matatū are ready to represent the South Island and the mana of Te Waka O Aoraki.
Alana Bremner retains her captaincy for the season, building off her experience in Aupiki 2022 and more recently as part of the Rugby World Cup 2021 winning Black Ferns.
Cheyelle Robins-Reti is an exciting signing previously contracted to Hurricanes Poua. She joins Matatū as an outside back but is comfortable across the pack. Her speed and finishing ability is exciting, as is her experience at international level having played for the Black Ferns.
Georgia Cormick played some foundational seasons with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby W, having moved to Australian as a child. She’s back in Otago playing FPC for the Spirit and now kicks off her Aupiki career with Matatū.
Crossing the ditch to play is Sera Naiquama, joining the South Island squad with prowess and international experience. The current Wallaroo and NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby W) faced the Black Ferns in the Rugby World Cup opener only weeks ago, getting a taste of what women’s rugby is like in Aotearoa.
Cindy Nelles is currently lock for Canterbury in the FPC and this will be her first season playing in Super Rugby Aupiki. Originally from Canada, she earned 19 caps for her national team, including appearances at the 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups.
Charntay Poko earns her first Super Rugby Aupiki contract with her signing to Matatū. She’s a capable cross-code player entering the squad in the mid-field after a rugby union season with Canterbury. The 26-year-old played rugby league for the NZ Warriors in 2019 and the New Zealand national team the same year, and the Newcastle Knights in 2021.
Cheyenne Cunningham and Leah Miles join the squad from Otago, both earning their first Super Rugby Aupiki contract.
Blair Baxter, Matatū Head Coach, said the squad showcased a mix of experienced hands and fresh talent.
“We’ve put together a squad we are confident in, that we can build off, and that can represent the mana of Te Waka O Aoraki,” Baxter said.
“Matatū and Super Rugby Aupiki is not only about rugby and winning, it’s about inspiring young females to be the best they can be, to be determined in their efforts, and to follow their passions and their dreams.
“We’re excited to see how this second-ever season of Aupiki goes, and how the current wave of support for the wāhine game will positively impact the upcoming season.
Matatū competes in Super Rugby Aupiki and represents the South Island regions of Crusaders and Highlanders. It was founded ahead of the inaugural 2022 competition and is governed by the Crusaders’ off-field team. The name Matatū translates to represents the mana of Aoraki being the watchful guardian of all those who reside in Te Waka O Aoraki (South Island).