Rugby: Holah back with Waikato

Marty Holah in action during a Waikato training session in 2007. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Former All Black flanker Marty Holah has signed a deal to play for the Waikato Rugby Union through to the end of 2011, the union announced today.

Holah, who played 36 tests for the All Blacks between 2001-2006, has been playing for Welsh side Ospreys since leaving New Zealand in 2007.

"I am excited about the opportunity to return to Waikato later this year. I have enjoyed my experience with the Ospreys on and off the field, but feel it's time to move back home to be closer to my family and friends and to enjoy playing for my home province again. I felt it was the right time to move while I still have something to offer the province that has given me so many opportunities," said the 34-year-old.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes welcomed the signing of Holah who debuted for the province in 1999.

"We are extremely excited about having someone with Marty's experience back in our programme. We have some quality young loose forwards coming through and for them to be able to learn off Marty will be invaluable for Waikato rugby long term," he said.

- NZPA