Super Rugby Aupiki’s team have unveiled their identity, and their first group of contracted players and coaches for their inaugural season.
Matatū will join the Blues, Hurricanes and Chiefs for the new women's competition, which begins in March.
The name, logo and colours have been revealed for the new side, which encompasses both the Crusaders and Highlanders regions.
The team's first five contracted players were also announced - Black Ferns superstar Kendra Cocksedge, Pip Love, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Grace Brooker and Te Rauoriwa Gapper.
Whitney Hansen and Tony Christie were also named as assistants under head coach Blair Baxter.
Matatū is an instructive command to remain steadfast with head held high, alert, and ready to take on any and every challenge head on.
In recent years, the term has become synonymous with Aoraki, the highest peak in the South Island.
The name was gifted to the team by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, one of the five primary hapū of the Ngai Tahu iwi.
The colours and logo were designed by local artist and designer Morgan Mathews-Hale.
"When we started this process, we realised we had an exciting opportunity to build a brand story outside of the traditional Super Rugby clubs of the Crusaders and Highlanders - one that encompasses the unique collective values of the South Island team," says Crusaders women's professional rugby general manager Sarah Munro.
"The team's values were developed in the initial part of our consultation process, which engaged current and past players, key female figures within the rugby community of the South Island, the two resident Super Rugby clubs and also Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
"It was from our four core values that our team name and identity - including the logo and colours - evolved."
Those values are Tumanawa (determination), Tūaho (legacy), Tūtira (unity) and Tūhono (connections).
"We are so proud to have this inspiring name and narrative bestowed on us, and we will wear our new Tohu with pride, when we run out for our opening game in 2022," Munro continues.
