Chiefs Stephen Donald runs the ball up against the Sharks in a Super Rugby match at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, Friday, March 18, 2011. Credit:NZPA / Wayne Drought
Former All Black and Waikato fan favourite Stephen Donald has signed with Waikato for the 2015 ITM Cup season.
Donald, 31, has ended his time in Japan with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars and will be available for the Mooloo Men immediately having joined up with the team last week.
Listen to Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave talk to Stephen Donald.
The ITM Cup season will be the first time Donald has played in New Zealand since the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
Donald, Waikato's fifth highest all-time points scorer, played 57 games for the province between 2004 and 2011 and is delighted to be able to contribute once more.
"I have some great memories playing for Waikato and I can't wait to pull on the jersey again and represent the province I am very passionate about. It is an exciting opportunity for me and I am looking forward to getting the ITM Cup campaign underway and running out onto Waikato Stadium once again," Donald said.
Donald is expected to be available for ITM Cup selection against Bay of Plenty next weekend.
Gatland felt overwhelmed by negativity, especially from ex-players.