Our Wāhine
Your 2026 Matatū squad brings together a strong core of familiar faces and returning talent alongside an exciting wave of new athletes. This dynamic mix of experience and ambition creates a group ready to compete, evolve, and challenge themselves at the highest level.
Meet your 2026 Matatū Squad
Forwards
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Chelsea Bremner
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Eilis Doyle
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Elinor-Plum King
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Emma Dermody
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Fiaali'i Solomona
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Holly Wratt-Groeneweg
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Jett Hayward
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Kaipo Olsen-Baker
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Laura Bayfield
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Lucy Jenkins
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Maddi Robinson
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Marcelle Parkes
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Natalie Delamere
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Paris Lokotui
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Pip Love
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Sarah Jones
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Santo Taumata
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Wikitoria Rogers
Backs
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Abigail Paton
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Alena Saili
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Amy du Plessis
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Charlotte Va'afusuaga
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Grace Brooker
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Hannah King
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Kelsyn McCook
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Maia Davis
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Maia Joseph
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Naomi Sopoaga
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Poppy Baxter
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Winnie Palamo
“This team is connected to our people, and that connection drives us. We talk a lot about identity and purpose, and every player in this group understands what it means to represent Matatū. We want our fans to feel proud of us every time we take the field.”
"Our returning players know who we are and what matters to us, and our new athletes have come in with genuine hunger to grow and contribute. They’re all proud to represent the South Island and proud to represent Matatū and all we stand for.”
— Blair Baxter, Head Coach
Our 2026 Coaches/Support Staff
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Blair Baxter
HEAD COACH
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Jason Kjestrup
ASSISTANT COACH
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Adam Thomson
ASSISTANT COACH
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Angus Warwicker - Le Breton
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
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Solomona Paraki
SKILLS COACH & HUB COACH
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Jessie Hansen
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGIST
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Jen Ardagh
PHYSIO
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Anika Tiplady
TEAM DOCTOR
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Micah Walther
ASSISTANT ANALYST
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Mitchell Logan
ANALYST
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Sophie Anderson
TEAM MANAGER
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Jorja Simpson
ASSISTANT TEAM MANAGER
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Sarah Munro
GENERAL MANAGER