Dominant Matatū Presence in Black Ferns XV

One third of the recently named Black Ferns XV squad are current Matatū players.  

New Zealand Rugby announced the squad on Monday ahead of a one-off match versus Manusina XV (Samoa) on 23 September at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe.  

The players are Eilis Doyle, Moomooga (Ona) Palu, Marcelle Parkes, Atlanta Lolohea, Emma Dermody, Leah Miles, Di Hiini, Grace Brooker and Cheyenne Cunningham. 

Atlanta Lolohea joins her sister in getting her call up to the black jersey, after Martha was named in the Black Ferns earlier today. 

Atlanta Lolohea minutes before her Matatū debut in early 2023. Image - Matatū

Emma Dermody continues to build on her career after being named Matatū Rookie of the Year in the Super Rugby Aupiki 2023 season. 

Whitney Hansen, Matatū Head of Rugby, was named Black Ferns XV Head Coach in August this year. She said this Black Ferns XV squad signalled a bright future for the Black Ferns. 

“One of the highlights of this year’s Farah Palmer Cup was the number of young players that really impressed for their provinces. So many players put their hand up for selection that made it a tough job for us as coaches,” Hansen said. 

She said the Black Ferns XV campaign was an opportunity to expose players to a professional environment and give them a taste of international rugby. 

“Playing against Manusina as they prepare for WXV2 will be an awesome challenge for our team and a great introduction to that next level of rugby. For many of the athletes it will be their first time in a black jersey and hopefully just the beginning of their Black Ferns journey.” 

Black Ferns XV v Manusina XV (Samoa) 
Saturday 23 September, kick off 4.35pm 
Navigation Holmes Stadium, PUKEKOHE 
Broadcast live on Sky Sport