Counties Manukau Steelers sign Stephen Donald

Iconic New Zealand rugby player Stephen Donald is to return home to re-join the Counties Manukau Steelers for the Mitre 10 Cup.

The 33-year-old former Waiuku and Wesley College student is returning to where his career started, joining the Steelers as they prepare for their Mitre 10 Cup opener against Auckland on Saturday.

The popular rugby player, who has been busy with the release of his book, is looking forward to this new challenge.

“I still believe I have plenty to offer the game and I can add value to this Steelers team, while also working in the region to encourage more kids to be active.”

Donald grew up in Waiuku where he played his junior rugby, running out for the Premier side in 2002 before winning the 2003 championship alongside current Steelers assistant coach Grant Henson.

After playing his age-grade representative rugby for Counties Manukau, the first five-eighth debuted for the Steelers in 2001 while still at college, playing alongside his schoolmate, Sitiveni Sivivatu. In 2002 and 2003, he continued to play in the Steelers side coached by former All Black centre Bruce Robinson, making 22 appearances for the team before moving down the motorway to play for Waikato and the Chiefs.