Liam Messam to join New Zealand’s Sevens at Commonwealth Games
Waikato flanker Liam Messam has been added to the New Zealand Sevens roster that will be taking part in the Commonwealth games in October.
Messam was placed on the squad after Adam Thomson of Otago suffered an injury and was deemed unfit to play in the tournament.
Messam was a late addition, but has experience in the sport having captained the New Zealand Maoris this season. The 26-year-old has also won five caps with the New Zealand All Blacks and won a Commonwealth gold in 2006. Messam’s inclusion in the roster
will give him another chance to bring home a gold medal for his country.
New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens was disappointed to hear about Thomson’s injury, but seems encouraged by his replacement, saying. “Adam was a big loss but we have been fortunate enough to now include Liam in our preparations. He has had the experience
of playing in a Commonwealth Games before and that will be invaluable once we get to tournament time.”
Unfortunately many questions have been raised heading into the games, specifically regarding the quality of housing in the athletes’ village. Nevertheless, the New Zealand side has committed to the tournament and will be in India to challenge for the gold.
Meanwhile, Messam seemed keen to get back to Sevens rugby in order to work on his skills, saying. “The Change in law interpretations has transformed the pace of fifteens this season and I think getting back to Sevens will only enhance my game in that area.
I have also been lucky enough to win one gold medal already and the opportunity to win another one is not something that comes along every day.”
New Zealand is set to leave for Dubai this weekend and arrive in New Delhi, India on 6 October, in time for the games.
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