Matatū name side for 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki opener
Matatū has named our side for the opening match of the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season, set to take on Chiefs Manawa on Saturday 13 June at 4.05pm.
The season opener shapes as a significant occasion for the team, with a number of debutants named across the 23 and the opportunity to run out in front of what hopes to be a record-breaking crowd at One New Zealand Stadium.
Five players are set to make their Super Rugby Aupiki debuts this weekend: Paris Lokotui, Poppy Baxter, Binky Muamua, Wikitoria Rogers and Sophie Kerr.
Moving from the netball court to the rugby pitch, Lokotui will start at lock alongside the experience of Laura Bayfield, while Baxter will start in the 15 jersey. Muamua will start on the left wing with the support of Winnie Palamo on the right, while Rogers and Kerr are set to provide impact off the bench
There are also two players with previous Aupiki experience who are set to make their first appearance in a Matatū jersey: Santo Taumata is named in the starting front row after previously playing for Chiefs Manawa. Maddi Robinson and Nat Delamere will complete the front row – Delamere returns to Matatū after previously representing the club across the 2022 and 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki seasons.
Elinor-Plum King comes into the loose forward trio following her time with Hurricanes Poua – and will be paired with the experience of Fiaali'i Solomona and Kaipo Olsen-Baker.
Maia Joseph and Hannah King will continue to build on their 9/10 combination this season, while Captain Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis provide some firepower in the midfield.
The squad has continued to build across an extended pre-season, with a strong mix of experience and new energy shaping the group heading into round one.
Head Coach Blair Baxter says the group is in a good space and ready to bring a new edge to their game.
“We’ve had a longer pre-season this year and had time to build, and we’re bringing an evolution in our DNA – we’re more physical than we’ve ever been and continuing to enhance our speed,” says Baxter.
He says the balance across the squad has been key to building depth and competition.
“We’ve created depth through selection and brought in some awesome additions. It’s a really good mix of experience and youth, and we’re excited to see how they add their identity to the group,” says Baxter.
The group now turns its attention to game one, with a strong sense of anticipation building after weeks of preparation.
Captain Grace Brooker says standards have lifted across the board as the team builds towards the opening round.
“Everyone’s into their work and we’re all aligned with our goal of winning Aupiki. We’re itching to get out there. To pull on the Matatū jersey is something really special, so it’s something we look forward to every year,” says Brooker.
Beyond the match itself, Saturday presents an opportunity to create a defining moment for women’s rugby in Aotearoa.
With a standalone fixture at One New Zealand Stadium, Matatū are aiming to surpass the current attendance record for a domestic women’s rugby match in New Zealand.
Baxter says the occasion adds to the excitement of round one.
“It’s an epic place to play and we couldn’t ask for anything more than breaking that record,” says Baxter.
Brooker says the moment could have a lasting impact beyond this weekend.
“To run out in front of a crowd like that at a stadium like this would be pretty special. If we can break that record, it feels like the start of something new for women’s sport in Aotearoa,” says Brooker.
“The more support we get, the more the game grows – and that’s something we’re really proud to be part of.”
With a new season ahead and a group ready to make their mark, Saturday’s clash shapes as more than just an opening game – it’s a chance to build momentum, connection and something lasting from the very first whistle.
Tickets are available here.
Matatū team to face Chiefs Manawa:
Maddi Robinson
Nat Delamere
Santo Taumata*
Laura Bayfield
Paris Lokotui**
Fiaali'i Solomona
Elinor-Plum King*
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Maia Joseph
Hannah King
Binky Muamua**
Grace Brooker
Amy du Plessis
Winnie Palamo
Poppy Baxter**
* Matatū Debut
**Super Rugby Aupiki Debut
Impact Players
16. Holly Greenway
17. Marcelle Parkes
18. Wikitoria Rogers**
19. Sophie Kerr**
20. Sarah Jones
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Charntay Poko
23. Charlotte Va'afusuaga