The team’s name, logo and colours were officially unveiled on 12 October 2021. The name, logo and colours were created by a local artist and designer Morgan Mathews-Hale in partnership with Te Whaka Ako Limited. Matatū is a name gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, which is one of five primary hapū of the Ngai Tahu iwi.[2]
The name Matatū, literally meaning "alert or vigilant", has been gifted to symbolise the teams tūmanawa (determined sacrifice), tūaho (legacy), tūhono (connections) and tūtira (unity) in representing Te Waka o Aoraki (the South Island).[3]
Coaching staff
Blair Baxter was announced as Head Coach, Whitney Hansen and Tony Christie were appointed as the two assistant coaches.[4] Whitney Hansen was named as Matatū's Head coach for the 2024 season.[5]
Inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season
Matatū played their first game against the Chiefs Manawa in a pre-season match ahead of the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season at the Owen Delany Park in Taupō. Liv McGoverne kicked the teams first-ever points and Julia Gorinski scored their first try. Chiefs Manawa won the match 28–20.[6][7] Matatū and Chiefs Manawa met five days later to play the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki match on 10 March 2022. It was a historical moment for Matatū as this was their first team to take the field. It was a tense match but Chiefs Manawa edged Matatū 17–15 to win the second match between the teams.[8][9][10]
Matatū recorded their first Super Rugby Aupiki win after defeating Blues Women 33–31 in the opening round of the competition.[16][17] They met the Blues side again in the semi-finals and just beat them by three points, the final score was 26–23.[18][19] They claimed their first title after defeating Chiefs Manawa 33–31 in the Grand final at the FMG Stadium Waikato.[20][21]
(cc) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, SP denotes a shadow player[further explanation needed] and ST indicated short-term cover.