Rugby: Messam re-signs with NZRU

Liam Messam. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks forward Liam Messam has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Chiefs Super 15 franchise, and will play his rugby in New Zealand at least until the end of 2013.

"I'm happy to be re-signing with New Zealand rugby as my family and I love New Zealand and there is nowhere else in the world I want to be playing right now," Messam said after announcing his decision today.

"While doing well for the Chiefs is the immediate goal and the All Blacks is the obvious goal for everyone later in the year, I'm keen to continue beyond this year and that was why I have re-committed to New Zealand rugby."

Messam, 27, has played six tests for the All Blacks, captained the New Zealand Maori, Chiefs and Waikato teams, and has won two Commonwealth Games gold medals with the New Zealand sevens team.

He joins a sizeable group of 2010 All Blacks who have recommitted to New Zealand rugby beyond this year, including hooker Hikawera Elliot, props Tony Woodcock and Ben Franks, locks Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly and Sam Whitelock, loose forwards Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid and Victor Vito, and backs Jimmy Cowan, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden.

"Players like Liam are invaluable to New Zealand rugby and we shouldn't underestimate his decision to stay in New Zealand," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

"He is an outstanding young man with proven leadership qualities and real mana and we are delighted that he will continue to play his rugby here."

- NZPA