The Ospreys' Marty Holah has decided to return to his native New Zealand © PA Photos

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Former All Black Marty Holah has announced that he is to quit the Ospreys and link up once again with Waikato.

The 35-year-old openside flanker made his first appearance for Waikato in 1999 and, after eight successful seasons with the province, decided to make the move to Swansea. However, Holah has now confirmed that he will now return to the club where he first made his name, putting pen to paper on a contract which will see him through until the end of the 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," he said. "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."

Unsurprisingly, Waikato coach Chris Gibbes is thrilled that the province have managed to have secured the services of such a legendary figure of New Zealand rugby.

"We are extremely excited about having someone with Marty's experience back in our programme," he said. "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.

"The structure of this year's ITM Cup competition and the timing of the Super Rugby finish date, and our start date, are so close it means that we need experienced players like Marty to get off to the best possible start this year. It will be a massive challenge for Waikato this season and with the leadership he can provide our players & team, Waikato rugby can continue to grow. It's great to see a 'true blue' Waikato man back."