Black Fern leads Matatū leaders into Super Rugby Aupiki

Black Fern and Cantabrian Alana Bremner will lead a legacy when she captains Matatū in the first Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

Bremner described the captaincy of the South Island wāhine as a huge privilege.

“When I got the news I just felt this wave of excitement, it’s such a privilege to lead the girls,” she said.

Not alone in her leadership, Bremner’s vice captains will be Kendra Cocksedge (head of attack) and Kendra Reynolds (head of defence).

Matatū head coach Blair Baxter said the new side’s leadership team all had points of difference.

“Obviously, Kendra Cocksedge, world class not only in her leadership but in her on-field game management.

“Kendra Reynolds is the same in regards to that defensive aspect – so that physicality, and ‘follow me’ energy.

“Overseeing that is obviously Alana Bremner. She’s led programmes for a couple of years now and she encompasses both those two, but also layers in a really good level of calmness and understanding of each individual in our programme”

Baxter described the leaders’ reactions as humble and honoured.

“Matatū is really special to everyone in this group. They’ll embrace it – they’ll thrive.”

Despite the captain selections, every member of Matatū is a leader – of themselves and of each other, with some extra responsibilities being carried by a particular few.

These responsibilities will be to assist with both the game plan and implementing the Matatūtanga the team is built on.

Steph Te Ohaere-Fox and Greer Muir will be leaders of Tūaho (legacy), to ensure Matatū continues to link back to those who paved the way for athletes today.

Their role will be about connecting with those who got the team to where they are, recognizing significances in the team and holding one another accountable for the legacy they are creating moving forward.

Di Hiini and Martha Mataele are leaders of Tūhono (connections), making sure all the circles of Matatū are reached and brought into the club. This will include the players and staff, friends and family, fans and commercial partners.

Every player has been given the responsibility of carrying out Matatūtanga (values) Tūmanawa (determination) and Tūtira (unity), as these elements represent alignment as a team, and therefore must be driven by each individual.