Success at Matatū hasn’t come from shortcuts or quick fixes. Alice Soper and Les Elder dive into the culture, planning, and vision driving the southern franchise as it continues to build one of the strongest foundations in women’s rugby.

From investing in local talent pathways to strengthening connections across every feeder province, Matatū has created an environment built on continuity, development, and opportunity. The squad and coaching group have remained steady, allowing emerging players to grow, rough talent to be refined, and future stars to take the next step toward greatness.

The franchise is already producing Black Ferns, debutants, and even coaches making their mark at the highest level — proof that the system is working. Alice and Les discuss the leadership, recruitment, retention, and community focus helping shape the club’s identity, as well as the challenges that come with maintaining success in an increasingly competitive women’s game.

With a new season approaching and expectations rising, the big question remains: can Matatū turn its blueprint into another Super Rugby Aupiki-winning campaign?

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Alice Soper and Les Elder take a deep dive into the Poua's of the biggest squad shake-ups in Aupiki history. With only 11 players retained from last season and 19 players moving on, what does this level of churn actually mean for the franchise — and is it chaos, courage, or a necessary reset?

Alice and Les break down the departures, the recruitment strategy, and why this season may ultimately be remembered as the moment the franchise stopped chasing short-term fixes and finally committed to building something sustainable.

They also spotlight the next wave of talent emerging through New Zealand’s rugby pathways — from NZ U20s camps and U18 NZ Māori to the growing impact of Black Ferns XV programmes development. These aren’t just “players for the future” anymore; they’re ready to contribute now.

The pair discuss the significance of attracting established names from outside the province, including Renee Holmes, Krystal Murray and Ona Palu, and what those signings say about the direction and ambition of the club.

It won’t be an easy season, but there are green shoots everywhere if you know where to look. This episode is about transition, trust in development, and why meaningful change in women’s rugby requires bold decisions.

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This week on Full Credit, Alice Soper and Les Elder take a deep dive into the state of Chiefs Manawa — the franchise that once set the standard in women’s rugby, but now finds itself navigating a difficult rebuild.

With major squad turnover, declining results, and changes in the coaching setup, the conversation explores how quickly success can shift in a developing competition and what happens when a powerhouse loses the core group that built its identity.

Alice and Les reflect on the legacy of the players and staff who created the foundation of Chiefs Manawa’s dominance, while also highlighting the next generation now being asked to carry the franchise forward. What can realistically be expected from a squad packed with rookies? How do you rebuild confidence, cohesion, and culture while still trying to compete at the highest level?

The episode also looks at the wider lessons for Super Rugby Aupiki franchises: sustainability, player pathways, retention, and the challenge of staying on top in a rapidly evolving women’s game.

A thoughtful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the realities of rebuilding in elite sport.

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