Marcelle Parkes

Date of Birth: 9 September 1997
Position: Number 8
Provincial Union: Canterbury

2023 sees Parkes return to the Matatū side after being part of the inaugural squad in 2022. In 2018, Parkes was one of 28 players to receive a professional contract by New Zealand rugby for the Black Ferns. She, alongside the 28 other wāhine, were the first group of female players to receive professional contracts. In the same year, Parkes went on to make her debut for the Black Ferns against France in Toulon.

Parkes owned the number 8 jersey for Matatū’s 2023 season and provided the team with strong runs off the back of the scrum. She was instrumental in Matatū’s Aupiki title win.