News | Rugby

1 Mar 2026 6:16

| outlook hotmail | yahoo mail | gmail | news | weather | finance | shopping | about nzcity | Search |

NZCity News

Home > News > Sports > Rugby

Canterbury winger Manasa Mataele is thankful of the support of his international rugby-playing wife Martha, as he makes a comeback in the NPC against Southland in Invercargill tonight

Canterbury winger Manasa Mataele is thankful of the support of his international rugby-playing wife Martha, as he makes a comeback in the NPC against Southland in Invercargill tonight

13 September 2024

Mataele suffered a stress fracture in his back earlier in the year - keeping him sidelined during the Crusaders' season.

He was also given personal leave to return to Fiji following the death of his mother.

Meanwhile Mataele's wife - Martha - missed out on Black Ferns selection after debuting in 2023.

He says they've been each other's rock.

Kickoff from Invercargill's Rugby park at 5 past 7 - live commentary on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.

NPC COVERAGE WITH GALLAGHER INSURANCE. PROUD PARTNERS OF PROVINCIAL RUGBY

>> More Rugby News

Subscribe to NZCity's Rugby articles

© 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

Other Rugby News

28 Feb: The Chiefs are refusing to underestimate a wounded Crusaders side ahead of tonight's Super Rugby grand final rematch in Hamilton

28 Feb: The Blues are pointing to territory and preventing set piece penalties as keys to victory against the Brumbies tonight in Canberra

28 Feb: Crusaders utility back Leicester Fainga'anuku's comfortable being deployed in a third different role in as many weeks on his Super Rugby Pacific return

28 Feb: All Black Jordie Barrett is backing the talent of Hurricanes teammate Callum Harkin to step up at first five ahead of this afternoon's Super Rugby contest with the Fijian Drua in Lautoka

28 Feb: Moana Pasifika's defensive frailties have continued to hurt them in Super Rugby for a second week in a row

28 Feb: It's been a hot start from the Aussies to open round three of Super Rugby

28 Feb: Frustration for the Highlanders following a 31-14 Super Rugby loss to the Reds in Brisbane

Top Stories

RUGBY
The Chiefs are refusing to underestimate a wounded Crusaders side ahead of tonight's Super Rugby grand final rematch in Hamilton More...

BUSINESS
It's been revealed UK supermarket giant Tesco, declined the Finance Minister's invitation for a meeting to discuss the issues in our grocery sector More...

Today's News

International:
Israel and US attack Iran live updates: Blasts heard in Tehran and explosions reported in cities across Middle East 4:36

Rugby:
The Chiefs are refusing to underestimate a wounded Crusaders side ahead of tonight's Super Rugby grand final rematch in Hamilton 21:57

Auckland:
Four people have been injured - one seriously - when a van rolled in the Auckland suburb of Wiri 21:17

Law and Order:
The Armed Offenders Squad has been working in Auckland's Papakura today, after a man was shot this morning 18:57

Rugby:
The Blues are pointing to territory and preventing set piece penalties as keys to victory against the Brumbies tonight in Canberra 18:37

International:
Crown prince Reza Pahlavi on US military intervention in Iran and how a post Islamic Republic 'transition' would work 18:17

Politics:
Bill Clinton tells congressional committee he had 'no idea' about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes 18:07

Soccer:
Auckland FC attacking weapon Jesse Randall is stoked with how the club is tracking heading towards the final stretch of the A-League's regular season 18:07

Boxing:
Kiwi Carlos Ulberg will fight for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327 in Miami on April 12 17:27

Rugby:
Crusaders utility back Leicester Fainga'anuku's comfortable being deployed in a third different role in as many weeks on his Super Rugby Pacific return 16:57

News Search

© 2026 New Zealand City Ltd