Little River sisters going big on the national stage

For the Bremner sisters Alana and Chelsea, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind experience. Fresh from earning 2022 Black Ferns contracts, the two sisters were also a part of the inaugural Matatū squad for Super Rugby Aupiki, with younger sister Alana captaining the side. The Bremners, who grew up in Little River, have certainly carved an outstanding path between the two of them.

However, despite being family, their journeys to playing for Canterbury, Matatū and the Black Ferns vary considerably. While Alana played junior rugby for Banks Peninsula, Chelsea played netball as a junior for Tai Tapu Netball Club.  

“We were really lucky growing up as Mum would load us all in the car to give any sport a go that we wanted to try.” Chelsea said. She never quite tried rugby as a junior however, beginning her rugby journey in 2016, encouraged by Alana to come along to one of Lincoln University’s first women’s training sessions to help fill the numbers.  

“I went along to training one day because Lincoln University had just started a team and they were short on numbers, so Alana convinced me to come along. I went along to my first training and absolutely loved it!” 

Despite the unconventional start to her rugby career, Chelsea has gone from strength to strength. “I was really lucky to be picked up by Canterbury Rugby and they obviously saw some potential in me.” said Chelsea. “Another thing is I have had amazing coaches, which has really helped.” 

Since that first training session in 2016, Chelsea has continued to push herself through the rugby pathways, from joining the Canterbury Women’s High Performance Academy, becoming a mainstay in the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup forward pack and starting all three Games of the inaugural Matatū Super Rugby Aupiki campaign. 2022 is set to be a big year as Chelsea looks to cement a spot in the Black Ferns World Cup squad.  

“I’m really excited (for the 2022 season), we’ve got a few Black Ferns camps coming up so it’s a great opportunity to back up from starting at such a high level (with the introduction of Super Rugby Aupiki).” 

While the season poses to be a big one, Chelsea will remain connected to her Lincoln University Ewes side as they prepare for their Canstaff Premier Women’s campaign. “We’ve got a really good culture at Lincoln University, so I know us Black Ferns girls will be heading to trainings to help where we can and stay connected with the social side of the team.” said Chelsea.  

No matter your experience, Chelsea Bremner provides a great example that giving it a go can’t hurt, with rugby now providing experiences for her on a national and hopefully playing alongside her sister on the international stage in what is a big year for women’s rugby. 

Clubs throughout the region are looking for players, with registrations now open across the region for those wanting to play, coach, referee or belong this winter!