Chelsea Bremner Comes Home to Matatū

Chelsea Bremner is coming home.

The proud Cantabrian will play for Matatū once again in the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season after debuting for the club back in 2022.

Bremner was a foundational member of Matatū for the inaugural Aupiki season before shifting to play for the Chiefs Manawa in 2023 and 2024. Her family are based in Little River on the Banks Peninsula.

The lock’s move south reunites her with younger sister Alana Bremner who can in part be credited with getting Chelsea interested in rugby in the first place.

Originally a netballer, Chelsea joined Alana for one of Lincoln University’s first women’s training sessions back in 2016. Since then she’s earned 50 caps for Lincoln University, has played a vital role in five Farah Palmer Cup titles with Canterbury, and was pivotal in the Black Ferns 2022 Rugby World Cup victory – arguably one of the most important moments for the women’s game.

“I’m really excited to be signed with Matatū for 2025,” said Chelsea from Canada, spending some down time there after the Black Ferns WXV 1 win over France in Vancouver on 7 October.

“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.”

Chelsea is a consistent performer and has a proven history of contributing hugely to the Matatū environment both on and off the field. She holds strong relationships with a range of current Matatū players and serves as a great role model for younger players coming through the rugby pathway.

“We are incredibly excited to have Chels back home, said Whitney Hansen, Matatū Head Coach.

“She’s a phenomenal player, a great team mate and a beautiful human. She brings huge experience and expertise to our group, particularly in set piece.

“I can’t wait to work alongside her again and watch on a she showcases everything she is capable of.”

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