Sevens: Messam among legends set to play at nationals

HOMETOWN: Liam Messam will be in action in Rotorua this weekend during a legends sevens match. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

ALL Black Liam Messam will make a welcome return to sevens during the Bayleys National Sevens in Rotorua.

Messam will feature in a legends game being played at 2.30pm today at the Rotorua International Stadium, during the first day of competition at the nationals, which are being held over two days this weekend.

The tournament will involve the top 16 men's provincial teams and top 10 women's provincial teams competing for national sevens titles.

Past and present sevens and rugby stars will line up for the legends game.

The big names include current All Blacks Sevens players DJ Forbes, Tim Mikkelson, Joe Webber, Scott Curry and Sam Dickson - who will show off their skills ahead of their next World Series tournament in Wellington next month.

Meanwhile, Messam is returning to his hometown of Rotorua to play in the friendly match.

Messam has a great history in sevens - winning two Commonwealth Games gold medals with New Zealand.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said the legends game was a great addition to the nationals.

"This is a great opportunity for a front-row seat to watch sevens legends in action.

"The players will be signing autographs in the family zone and interacting with fans following the game."

The Bayleys National Sevens tournament is being held in Rotorua for the second year running, after the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union won a bid to host the event at the Rotorua International Stadium for at least two years.

All going well, the New Zealand Rugby Union will keep the tournament in Rotorua following this year's event.

Tickets are available from the gate.

Legends game (players and water boys): Liam Messam, Tim Mikkelson, Joe Webber, Karl Te Nana, Zar Lawrence, Orene Ai'i, Ed Cocker, Damian Karuana, Craig De Goldi, Rua Tipoki, Rico Gear, Joeli Vidiri, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Dallas Seymour, Brad Fleming, Peter Woods, Jason Tiatia, Hayden Reid, Scott Curry, Jared Going, Darren Tiumalu, Isaac Te Aute.

-Coverage of the Bayleys National Sevens will be updated throughout the weekend on the Rotorua Daily Post website, including all the results.