News | Rugby
23 Feb 2026 20:40
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   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


    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

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

     Other Rugby News
     23 Feb: Early positive signs for young Highlanders' loose forward Lucas Casey
     23 Feb: Moana Pasifika are on the hunt for a new venue for their round nine Super Rugby match against the Chiefs
     23 Feb: Scrutiny in the Crusaders after their 50-24 Super Rugby loss to the Brumbies in Christchurch
     22 Feb: The Crusaders have been demolished by the Brumbies 50-24 in Christchurch to close out the second week of Super Rugby
     22 Feb: Carlos Alcaraz has cruised past Arthur Fils 6-2 6-1 to win the Qatar Open and extend his perfect start to the year
     22 Feb: An injury blow for the Crusaders ahead of their home Super Rugby match against the Brumbies this afternoon
     22 Feb: Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes believes the Super Rugby matches between New Zealand sides are as intense as any of the big rivalries he experienced while coaching in France
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Early positive signs for young Highlanders' loose forward Lucas Casey More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    People appear to have regained confidence it's okay to shop More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Lil Jon's son has been laid to rest 20:21

    Entertainment:
    Eric Dane has died aged 53 19:51

    Entertainment:
    Ashton Kutcher and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson have led tributes to the late Eric Dane 19:21

    Politics:
    ACT says more change is needed - after controversy over a Defence Force cultural policy 18:57

    Entertainment:
    Brooke Candy has confirmed she has divorced Kyle England 18:51

    Rugby:
    Early positive signs for young Highlanders' loose forward Lucas Casey 18:37

    Entertainment:
    Luke Combs has become a dad for a third time 18:21

    General:
    What worked for Milano Cortina may not work for Brisbane 2032, but this is the new Olympic norm 18:17

    Health & Safety:
    A baby that died during a nurse's hour-long break in the middle of the night, should have been checked 18:07

    Entertainment:
    Donald Trump thinks Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest was a "very sad thing" 17:51


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd