Matatu to play game in Dunedin for first time next season

Matatu perform a challenge ahead of a match last season. Photo: Getty Images

Otago fans will get their first glimpse of Super Rugby Aupiki next year.

Chris Lendrum. Photo: ODT files

Matatu, a team based in Christchurch and dominated by Canterbury players but technically representing the whole South Island, will play a game in Dunedin for the first time.

It will tackle the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, February 25.

That makes for a neat double-header as the Highlanders also play the Blues at the stadium that night.

Matatu then returns to Christchurch to host the Hurricanes Poua, and finishes the round robin with a trip to Hamilton to face the defending champion Chiefs Manawa.

Aupiki will be extended a week in its second season, meaning all four teams will get to play in semifinals before the final and the third-fourth game.

That at least gives New Zealand’s top female players a little more rugby, though there must still be an expectation the competition will soon go to a double round to make it more meaningful.

Another big step next year is the appointment of two female head coaches - all four teams were guided by men in the inaugural Aupiki season.

Crystal Kaua coaches the Chiefs Manawa, and Victoria Grant coaches the Hurricanes Poua.

Kaua was assistant coach to Allan Bunting this year and has been the Black Ferns Sevens analyst and skills coach.

Grant was the assistant to Wesley Clarke, the Black Ferns assistant coach, at the Hurricanes this year.

Matatu (Blair Baxter) and the Blues (Willie Walker) retain their coaches.

Professional and performance manager Chris Lendrum said New Zealand Rugby was thrilled to announce the quality of head coaches for 2023.

“We are committed to providing pathways for women coaches in our game.

"This is testament to the work achieved by these wahine and those who have assisted their development. It is an exciting time for them both and we are looking forward to seeing them continue their coaching journey."

Lendrum was excited to see Super Rugby Aupiki’s competition extended.

“It was great to have the inaugural season take place earlier this year," he said.

"Even though the teams faced disruptions due to Covid, it produced exciting rugby and saw some incredible talent on display. We are thrilled to have the competition extended this coming season.

"It will provide greater exposure for a number of talented players.

"It will be our first taste of the women’s game after the Rugby World Cup and we know teams and fans alike will be looking forward to kicking off come February."

Aupiki players will assemble for one pre-season game in February before coming together four days a week through the competition window.