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Marty Holah signs with Waikato for the 2011 ITM Cup.
http://www.mooloo.co.nz/News/Marty-Holah-Re-Signs-with-Waikato-Rugby/
Former Waikato All Black Marty Holah is returning home for what may be one last season playing for the province in the national provincial championship.
Holah, 34, has signed with Waikato for the 2011 ITM Cup season after four seasons with Welsh club Ospreys in Swansea, having previously played 73 matches for the Mooloos from 1999-2007, 81 games for the Chiefs, as well as 36 All Black tests.
The hard-working open-side flanker, who was outstanding as a ball pilferer and defender for all his teams in New Zealand, said he had enjoyed his experience with Ospreys on and off the field but felt it was the right time to move back home and be closer to family and friends, as well as enjoy playing for his home province again.
"To be honest I'm just going to see how it all goes," Holah said of whether he was contemplating more than one season for Waikato.
"I'm coming off a long season here and will go straight into another quick season there with Waikato so I'll just have to assess and see how the body's holding up after that but it's been surprisingly good so far.
"The main thing is I'm still enjoying playing rugby and still feel I've got something to offer," he said.
Waikato head coach Chris Gibbes said he and his coaching team were excited to have someone with Holah's experience back in their 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," Gibbes said.
Because of the condensed structure of this year's ITM Cup due to the timing of Super Rugby and the World Cup, experienced players were needed to help the team get off to the best possible start, he said.
"It will be a massive challenge for Waikato this season and with the leadership he can provide our players and team, Waikato rugby can continue to grow.
"It's great to see a true-blue Waikato man back."
http://www.mooloo.co.nz/News/Marty-Holah-Re-Signs-with-Waikato-Rugby/
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