Rugby Park showdown long time coming for Southland trio
Matatū prop Amy Rule hopes the small town of Riverton and the Southland community will be out in full force at Rugby Park today.
The Matatū, the South Island’s women’s Super Rugby Aupiki team, converge on Rugby Park for the first time as they welcome the Blues in the opening round.
It’s an occasion three Matatū players have been looking forward to more than most.
Emma Dermody, Amy Rule and Amy du Plessis all attended school in Invercargill and are honoured to come back to the region they were raised in.
“They better be here to watch. Especially cause it is making history in the women’s game bringing a game to Rugby Park, so why not be part of history,” said Rule.
“Things are just lining up well for it. It’s a 4.30pm start, not too late and the weather is looking good,” she added.
Adding to the occasion, all three are starting in the clash.
Rule has been named at tight head prop, Dermody is lining up at lock and the skilful du Plessis will wear the number 13 jumper.
Riverton’s Rule said she was excited to be playing at home in front of friends and family.
“It never came to the forefront of my mind that I would play a professional women’s game here. This whole journey is pretty surreal.
“I never would haver thought
I’d get the opportunities I have. It’s pretty cool coming back and seeing how far my rugby journey has gone. It’s pretty special,” she said.
“I am excited to showcase how far women’s rugby has come. It’s cool showing my team-mates where it’s all started.”
Black Fern Rule said the curtainraiser was a fantastic chance for more talent down here to show their skills.
“It shows them there is a pathway and it’s cool us three can be down here to show them there are opportunities in the women’s game.”
Dermody was pleased to be back in Invercargill for a match.
“It’s so exciting to be home and show the Southland community what we do. I have both sides of the family coming along and some friends as well. It’s going to be a great occasion.
“It’s such a cool team and culture to be in and you are learning off the worlds best,” she said.
“It’s really cool to be starting together at home, especially alongside Amy [Du Plessis] as we played together at school and it will be exciting to run out on Rugby Park alongside her.”
Matatū will also hold skills and drills for young female players alongside Rugby Southland staff at the Southland Girls’ High School fields from 10am-11am.
Marist women’s team will line up against Midlands women in the curtain-raiser at 2pm.
The main game kicks off at 4.35pm and adult tickets are $15, children under-14 are free.