Charlotte Va’afusuaga and Sarah Jones signings proof of talent pathways

The Matatū provincial talent pathways are stronger than ever, proved this season with the signing of Charlotte Va’afusuaga (Otago) and Sarah Jones (Tasman).

Matatū are proud to be the Aupiki team for the entire South Island, creating space for our female athletes to play rugby at the highest level.

Charlotte debuted for the Otago Spirit as an apprentice player in the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup, and secured a regular starting spot in 2024. A versatile backs player, she played 12 games for the Spirit this year and scored four tries. She also spent some time with the Black Ferns under-20 development camp, underscoring her potential on the national stage.

“I’ve always wanted to play rugby at a higher level and Matatū represents the region I’ve grown up in,” Va’afusuaga said.

“Coming from down south, it’s great that there is a pathway for young girls to have a future in rugby.

“Matatū are such a successful team with a lot of players who go on to represent New Zealand, so I’m looking forward to making new connections and developing off the experienced players and coaches.”

Sarah Jones was part of Tasman Mako’s 2024 FPC squad and emerged quickly as a standout player. A loose forward, she’s expected to make a big impact in the Matatū forwards pack.

“Matatū has always been in my eye since Aupiki started, so I was very grateful to get the opportunity to sign with them for the coming season,” Jones said.

“They have some amazing coaching and management and were champs in 2023, so of course it was somewhere I wanted to be.

“I’m really looking forward to learning off players with a heap of experience, especially Chelsea Bremner.”

Whitney Hansen, Matatū Head Coach, said the coaching group was excited about bringing Charlotte and Sarah into the group.

“We’re looking forward to supporting both of these young athletes in what we hope is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Matatū history,” Hansen said.

Of Charlotte, Hansen said she showed huge “diversity and talent across FPC this season”.

“She played multiple positions across the Otago Spirit backline, she’s determined, extremely capable and we can’t wait to see her unleash,” she said.

Hansen described Sarah as an “incredibly talented rugby player”.

“She has a genuine love for the game and understands it better than most players her age.

“We’re excited to have the skillset and strong Mako character she’ll bring to our group.”