Liam Messam

Born on March 25, 1984, in Blenheim, Marlborough, Liam Justin Messam showcased exceptional athleticism from an early age, attending Rotorua Boys’ High School, where his rugby talent quickly became apparent. His journey in rugby began earnestly in the national secondary schools’ team in 2001-2002, followed by the national under 19s. Messam’s skill and speed also led him to join Gordon Tietjens’ national sevens squad while still in high school, a move that would significantly shape his early career. By 2003-2004, he was a regular on the international sevens circuit, and in 2004, he captained the New Zealand sevens team to its fifth IRB Sevens World Series title, earning the New Zealand Sevens Player of the Year award. His dedication to sevens rugby culminated in two Commonwealth Games gold medals, in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi in 2010, marking him as a dominant force in the shorter format of the game.

Messam’s transition to the 15-a-side game saw him secure a permanent starting position with the Waikato representative side in 2005. He joined the Chiefs squad in 2006, where he would later achieve significant success. His leadership qualities were evident early on, captaining the Waikato side to a Ranfurly Shield victory in 2006. He made his All Blacks debut in 2008, sharing the field with Kieran Read, and went on to earn 43 test caps. Although often a fringe player due to an abundance of loose forward talent in New Zealand rugby, Messam remained a formidable presence. He co-captained the Chiefs during their Super Rugby triumphs in 2012 and 2013, becoming the franchise’s record holder with 178 games played by the end of his tenure in 2018. His career with the All Blacks culminated in being part of the squad that won the 2015 Rugby World Cup, an apex achievement in his rugby union career.

Following his distinguished rugby career, Messam ventured into professional boxing, making his debut in January 2015. He cultivated a professional boxing record of seven wins, with one stoppage victory, demonstrating his continued athletic prowess and competitive drive. In 2020, he co-founded Ora CBD, a company focused on natural alternative health options. Messam’s commitment to new challenges persisted, and in 2024, he announced his plan to tackle his first-ever IRONMAN competition in March 2025, taking on the rigorous swim, bike, and run disciplines in Taupō, New Zealand. This new endeavor reflects his ongoing pursuit of mental and physical challenges beyond his already impressive sporting achievements, highlighting his journey as a versatile and enduring athlete.