Matatū earn home final as they top Super Rugby Aupiki in 2026

Matatū, the women's team representing the Crusaders and the wider South Island, have booked a home grand final in the 2026 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season, and they did it the hard way.

As RNZ reported, Matatū will host the final on Saturday 25 July at Christchurch's new Te Kaha, One New Zealand Stadium, after finishing round six at the top of the competition ladder.

Getting there took nerve. Allblacks.com noted that three teams finished the regular season on four wins, and that Matatū secured hosting rights by earning a four-try bonus point in a thrilling 38-29 loss to the Blues in the final round. That result was a regular-season match, not a knockout, so Matatū's place in the decider was never in doubt once the points were counted.

The form had been building all season. RugbyPass reported that Matatū were the only unbeaten side at the midpoint of the competition, sitting top of the table, a run that gave the southern side belief heading into the business end.

Much of that spark comes from a strong forward pack. Allblacks.com singled out No.8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who has been in damaging form and finished among the league's leading try scorers, alongside contributions from Maia Joseph, Binky Muamua and Grace Brooker across the campaign.

Brooker leads the group. As Matatū Rugby confirmed, she captains the side in 2026 after returning to rugby union following a stint with Essendon in the AFL Women's competition, one of seven Black Ferns in a squad that blends returning leaders with fresh talent.

There is a new voice at the top too. RugbyPass reported that Blair Baxter took over as head coach for 2026, stepping up after Whitney Hansen was appointed to lead the Black Ferns, and he has guided the team back to the biggest stage.

The reward is a rematch. Super Rugby's official site confirmed the final pits Matatū against the two-time defending champion Blues, the same pairing that contested the 2025 decider. This time, Matatū have home advantage and a passionate Christchurch crowd behind them.

Whatever happens on 25 July, topping the ladder and hosting a grand final is a proud moment for South Island women's rugby, and a night the region has earned.