Liam Messam

Liam is best known as a rugby player where he plays as a loose forward. He represented New Zealand Under 16, Schools and Under 19. Liam made his debut in the New Zealand sevens team in 2002 at the age of 18, and was made captain in 2004 at the age of 20; he was New Zealand Sevens Player of the Year in 2004. In 2006 he was in the New Zealand sevens team that won gold at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. In domestic competition he plays for plays for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup and for the Chiefs in the Super 14. He also played for the New Zealand Maori in the 2006 Churchill Cup competitions (and was selected for the 2007 squad, but was injured in training).

Liam playing for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup.

What is perhaps less known about is that after being born in Blenheim in 1984, Liam was placed for adoption. He is the seventh of eight children, five of whom were adopted.

Liam with his parents and siblings

Being adopted was never a secret to Liam. As soon as he was old enough to understand, Liam’s adoptive parents let him know he was adopted. Unlike his siblings who knew about their birth families , Liam’s adoption was closed with no information available to him or his family. He found this difficult while he was at school. His parents were very supportive throughout this time. Despite this difficult time Liam feels that adoption has worked well for him and that he has an amazing family that has allowed him to pursue his sport. He knows he can now trace his birth parents if he wants, but at the moment doesn’t feel a need to.

Liam with his mum