UC student and Matat奴 player Grace Brooker (left) with UC Kaihaut奴 Taunaki Tangata Director 鈥 Equity and Business Management, R墨peka Tamanui-Hurunui.
Twenty-six players have been named in the inaugural Matat奴 squad for Super Rugby Aupiki, including a mini传媒 representation of established Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) players, Black Ferns and Wallaroos internationals, and emerging young talent from across the South Island.
The University of mini传媒 (UC) is proud to be a brand partner of the foundational team in 2022.听听 UC student Lucy Jenkins is one of the 26 players and is in her third year of studying towards a Bachelor of Sport Coaching Degree along with Grace Brooker, who was听announced at the team launch听as one of the first contracted players in Matat奴.
Alumni of the University have also been named in the team. Chelsea Bremner graduated from with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in 2015. Liv McGoverne graduated with a Bachelor of Sport Coaching in 2019 and Grace Steinmetz studied Law and Commerce at the University.
University of mini传媒 Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey said of the team partnership: 鈥淭he University of mini传媒 is committed to gender equity and social inclusion, and we are proud to support South Island w膩hine competing under the Super Rugby banner. It is pleasing to see nearly a quarter of Matat奴 contracted so far are UC-educated w膩hine, paving the way for future generations.鈥澨
Two more names will be added soon to make up a 28-strong contracted squad.
Sarah Munro, GM Women鈥檚 Professional Rugby, commented that the squad naming is an exciting leap forward for the club, but more importantly it鈥檚 a historic moment for the 26 players named today and professional women鈥檚 rugby in New Zealand.
