Rugby Park to host historic women’s rugby game
“It’s such an exciting opportunity to take a game to Invercargill as part of our season this year."
Invercargill will host the city’s most high-profile women’s rugby game in March.
The first professional women’s rugby game in Invercargill has been confirmed for Rugby Park on March 2.
ILT and Community Trust South have teamed up with Rugby Southland to help bring a Super Rugby Aupiki fixture to the city for the first time.
South Island team Matatū - a combined South Island team governed by the Crusaders and Highlanders - will play the Blues in round one of the competition in Invercargill.
“It’s such an exciting opportunity to take a game to Invercargill as part of our season this year,” Matatū general manager Sarah Munro said.
“It’s so important to all of us at Matatū that we have the chance to play in front of all our South Island fans and we can’t wait to face the Blues in front of a passionate Southland crowd at Rugby Park.
Matatū are seeking to defend its 2023 title and build off the performance and culture developed within the team since Aupiki’s inaugural season in 2022.
The game will be a likely homecoming for some female Southland rugby products.
Included are Black Ferns Amy du Plessis and Amy Rule who play for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki.
Rule was named the Southland Sportsperson of the Year after the tighthead prop played a lead role in lifting the Black Ferns to a World Cup win in 2022.
du Plessis was last year named a finalist for Black Ferns Player of the Year after the midfielders strong 2023 season.
Matatū is also likely to feature proud Southlander Emma Dermody, a lock who was named Matatū Rookie of the Year in 2023.
The proud Southland is “ecstatic” about Matatū’s upcoming game in Invercargill.
“Returning to my home province holds special significance as it provides a unique opportunity to showcase to young girls the pathways available to them,” Dermody said.
Rugby Southland CEO Steve Mitchell was pleased to be able to deliver a top-quality women’s game at Rugby Park.
On top of that, a local women’s senior game will be played as a curtain-raiser before kick-off in the Super Rugby Aupiki game at 4.35pm.
“Our staff, board and members are excited by this opportunity and acknowledge the support of the ILT and [Community Trust South] in securing this event for Invercargill,” Mitchell said.
“We also acknowledge the excitement, collaboration, and positive partnership developing between ourselves and Matatū as we work towards hosting this great event.”
Community Trust South CEO Jackie Flutey said they were honoured to contribute to “the historic milestone”.
“This investment is not just in a game, but in the empowerment of our Matatū warriors who represent Murihiku and all of the South Island, but in the growth of women’s rugby in Southland,” Flutey said.
ILT Marketing and Innovation Executive Angee Shand said women’s rugby and the associated opportunities are “a huge positive for the sport and the region”.
“We are pleased to support Rugby Southland’s ongoing efforts in this area, especially in bringing this elite competition to Invercargill for the first time,” Shand said.
“This match will showcase top-level rugby, potentially inspiring local players and contributing to the ongoing growth of women's rugby in our community."