Stephen Donald is heading back to where it all began after signing on with Counties Manukau ahead of the Mitre 10 Cup season which kicks off on Thursday night.
Donald has played for the All Blacks 23 times and most famous for kicking the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final against France.
The 33-year old grew up in Waiuku and made his Counties debut in 2001, playing 17 games for the Steelers before moving to Waikato in 2004.
Donald had been mulling over his future after not being offered a new Super Rugby contract with the Chiefs in 2018.
The first-five admitted he is looking forward to this new challenge.
"I still believe I have plenty to offer the game, and I can add value to this Steelers team while also working in the region to encourage more kids to be active," Donald said in a statement.
Counties Manukau open their campaign against fellow-Championship division side Auckland in Pukekohe on Saturday.
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