Liam Messam returns to New Zealand signing for Waikato

Liam Messam's return to New Zealand rugby has been confirmed with the former Toulon flanker signing for Mitre 10 Cup side Waikato.

The former All Blacks and Waikato fan favourite returns to Waikato for the upcoming 2020 Mitre 10 Cup.

Messam, 36, returns to the province five years after his move to Japan to play for the Toshiba Brave Lupus and then eventually his move to France to play for Toulon. Before his move overseas, Messam accumulated a total of 85 provincial caps over his 12 seasons for Waikato.

Waikato Head Coach, Andrew Strawbridge said “Waikato Rugby is proud to announce the signing of Liam Messam for the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup season.

Messam is a very talented and vastly experienced player, who can play a range of positions in the loose forwards. He is another one of these players that cares deeply about the jersey, his teammates and is well respected by the province, so we are very fortunate to have him back in the colours.”

Messam first played for Waikato back in 2003 and amassed 85 games with a total of 148 points before his move to Japan.