Matatu welcome back Black Ferns stars for 2025

Emerging Black Ferns star Hannah King is back in Matatu colours for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season.

The 20-year-old is joined by fellow Black Fern Chelsea Bremner as the headline inclusions in the 2025 squad, with a host of young talent also coming through the South Island ranks.

Fresh off meeting the king and establishing herself as a world-class first five-eighth, King's move south from Wellington is a dream come true.

“I'm really excited to realise a goal and dream of mine to play for Matat?.,” she said.

“I will be forever grateful to the Hurricanes Poua for the opportunity they gave me last season, but the chance to stay at home and play for the team I grew up around was too good to turn down.

“Also the opportunity to play with the girls who helped me develop over the years is something I will cherish.”

Bremner shared a similar sentiment after a season in Hamilton.

“I’m really excited to be signed with Matat? for 2025,” Bremner said.

“I’ve learnt and grown a lot from my two seasons with Manawa, and now feel it’s time to return home to play with and for my family.

“I’m grateful to be coming back to this club and the coaches who have invested a great amount of time and effort into me over the years.”

Matatu squad for 2025

Laura Bayfield

Alana Bremner

Chelsea Bremner

Grace Brooker

Emma Dermody

Eilis Doyle

Amy du Plessis

Jett Hayward

Tegan Hollows

Lucy Jenkins

Sarah Jones

Maia Joseph

Hannah King

Fia Laikong

Phillipa Love

Martha Mataele

Kelsyn McCook

Hollyrae Mete

Kaipo Olsen-Baker

Winnie Palamo

Moomooga Palu

Marcelle Parkes

Abigail Paton

Georgia Ponsonby

Chey Robins-Reti

Amy Rule

Keighley Simpson

Tayla Simpson

Fiaali'I Solomona

Charlotte Va'afusaga