1
Ireland target continued momentum as seven uncapped players named in 36-player squad
1
{{item.n}}
Netball champion among seven new faces in 2026 Matatu squad
Comment
Share 
Matatu have named one of the more settled sides for the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season, with 21 returning players and seven new faces, along with two returning names.
Alena Saili, Elinor-Plum King, Maia Davis, Paris Lokotui, Poppy Baxter, Santo Taumata and Wikitoria Rogers are the newcomers, each at different ages and stages of their professional careers. Holly Greenway and Natalie Delamere return after previously representing Matatu in 2024.
Lokotui, already a triple international in netball, basketball and water polo and with an ANZ Premiership title to her name in the netball arena, switches to rugby aged 23. Her father, Tukulua Lokotui, represented Tonga at three Rugby World Cups.
VIDEO
“Paris is such a versatile athlete. Her background gives her a competitive edge, and we’re really looking forward to supporting her as she finds her voice in this game,” new Matatu head coach Blair Baxter said.
In the cohort of returning faces, seven current Black Ferns feature in the squad: Prop Maddi Robinson, locks Laura Bayfield and Chelsea Bremner, loose forward Kaipo Olsen?Baker, halfback Maia Joseph, first five Hannah King and midfielder Amy du Plessis.
“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 Matat? and all we stand for,” Baxter added.
Grace Brooker returns from a stint in the AFL to captain the team.
Matatu 2026 squad
Front Row
Pip Love
Santo Taumata
Eilis Doyle
Holly Greenway
Jett Hayward
Maddison Robinson
Marcelle Parkes
Wikitoria Rogers*
Natalie Delamere
Locks and Loose Forwards
Laura Bayfield
Chelsea Bremner
Emma Dermody
Lucy Jenkins
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Elinor-Plum King
Sarah Jones
Fiaali’i Solomona
Inside Backs
Maia Joseph
Hannah King
Kelsyn McCook
Abigail Paton
Midfield and Outside Backs
Amy du Plessis
Winnie Palamo
Poppy Baxter*
Grace Brooker
Maia Davis*
Alena Saili*
Naomi Sopoaga
Charlotte Va’afusuaga
