Liam Justin Messam is a former New Zealand rugby union player and professional boxer. Messam’s rugby career is highlighted by his leadership role as co-captain of the Chiefs, leading them to two Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.
In addition to his rugby accomplishments, he has also pursued a career in boxing, making his professional debut in January 2015 and maintaining an undefeated record.
You can follow Liam Messam’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, salary, earnings, endorsements, rugby career stats, achievements, pro boxing records, and more here.
Liam Messam’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Liam Messam |
| Birth Date | March 25, 1984 |
| Position | Back Row |
| Current Team | Waikato Mooloos |
| Debut Year | 2006 |
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 109 kg (240 lb) |
| Birthplace | Blenheim, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Current Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Monique Corbett |
| Instagram Profile | @liammessam |
Liam Messam was born on March 25, 1984, in Blenheim, New Zealand. Messam attended Rotorua Boys’ High School, where he developed a passion for rugby.
His family background includes notable relatives, such as his brother, Sam Messam, who represented New Zealand in football at the 2008 Olympics. Liam’s heritage is diverse; he identifies with the Ngāi Tūhoe iwi and has Samoan and Scottish ancestry.
Rugby Career
He began his professional journey with Waikato in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) before making his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2006.
Messam’s contributions to the Chiefs were instrumental in their success, culminating in back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. He became the most-capped player in Chiefs history, amassing 184 appearances for the team by the time he left.
On the international stage, Messam made his debut for the All Blacks in 2008 during their end-of-year tour, marking his 2nd cap with a try against France. He went on to earn 43 test caps, representing New Zealand until 2016.
In 2016, he joined Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan before signing with RC Toulon in France’s Top 14 league in 2018. After 2 seasons with Toulon, Messam returned to New Zealand and signed with Waikato for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup season.
Boxing Career
Liam Messam’s boxing career began in January 2015 when he made his professional debut on the undercard of a fight featuring Sonny Bill Williams. In that match, he faced Rhys Sullivan and won by unanimous decision.
Messam returned to the ring in April 2021 to participate in a charity fight aimed at raising funds for an eight-year-old boy undergoing treatment for brain cancer. He fought Joe Ageli in this match and again emerged victorious by unanimous decision.
RELATED ARTICLES
Messam continued to build on his boxing career, returning to the ring in May 2022 against Thomas Russell, winning that bout by unanimous decision as well.
His most notable achievement came in July 2022 when he faced Tussi Asafo, securing his first victory by stoppage in the second round. He capped off 2022 with another win against Mathew Matich, once again winning by unanimous decision.
Wife
Liam Messam is married to Monique Corbett. The couple have 2 sons together.
Liam Messam’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Liam Messam’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful rugby career, boxing fight purses, endorsements, and other ventures.
Salary
Messam began his professional career with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, where he played from 2006 until 2021. His performances earned him a lucrative contract, earning around $500,000 annually during his prime years with the Chiefs.
In January 2018, Messam signed with RC Toulon in France’s Top 14 league. There, he reportedly earned around $700,000 per season.
After 2 seasons in France, Messam returned to New Zealand to play for Waikato in the Mitre 10 Cup for the 2020 season. His salary was $350,000 per season in Waikato.
Earnings
| Season | Team | Annual Salary |
| 2006-2007 | Chiefs | $300,000 |
| 2012-2013 | Chiefs | $500,000 |
| 2013-2014 | Chiefs | $600,000 |
| 2018-2019 | RC Toulon | $700,000 |
| 2020-2021 | Waikato | $350,000 |
| Total Earnings | – | $2,450,000 |
Endorsements
Liam Messam has been associated with several brands throughout his rugby career, particularly focusing on health and wellness products.
Notably, he co-founded Ora CBD in 2020, a company that specializes in natural health options aimed at relieving physical pain and mental challenges faced by athletes.
Rugby Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Caps | 182 |
| Tries Scored | 44 |
| Points Scored | 220 |
| Most-capped Chiefs player | 161 appearances |
| Super Rugby Titles | 2 (2012, 2013) |
| Commonwealth Games Gold Medals | 1 (2010) |
Achievements
- Super Rugby Champion (Chiefs) – 2012 & 2013
- Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist (NZ Sevens) – 2010
- Most-capped player for the Chiefs
- Represented the New Zealand Maori team
- Played for All Blacks (43 caps)
Boxing Records
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Fights | 7 |
| Wins | 7 |
| Wins by Knockout (KO) | 1 |
| Wins by Decision | 6 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Weight Class | Heavyweight |
FAQs
1. Who is Liam Messam?
Liam Messam is a retired New Zealand rugby union player and professional boxer. He played as a blindside flanker and number 8 for the Chiefs, Waikato, and the All Blacks. He also pursued boxing professionally, maintaining an undefeated record in his career.
2. What are Liam Messam’s major rugby achievements?
Messam won two Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013, earned 43 test caps for the All Blacks, and was part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning squad. He also won two Commonwealth Games gold medals with the New Zealand Sevens team.
3. How did Liam Messam contribute to the Chiefs rugby team?
Messam became the most-capped player in Chiefs history with 184 appearances. As co-captain, he led the team to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013, showcasing his leadership and athleticism.
4. What is Liam Messam’s boxing record?
Messam has competed in nine professional boxing matches, achieving seven wins, one loss, and one draw. His victories include one by knockout, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.
5. What inspired Liam Messam to participate in IRONMAN competitions?
Messam entered IRONMAN triathlons to challenge himself physically and mentally. He completed his first full-distance IRONMAN in Taupō, New Zealand, in March 2025 with a time of 12:17:06.
6. What role did Liam Messam play in leading the haka for the All Blacks?
Messam led the haka in 21 of his 43 tests for the All Blacks. He performed both Ka Mate and Kapa o Pango versions, honoring Maori traditions and showcasing leadership on significant occasions.
7. What teams did Liam Messam play for internationally?
Messam represented New Zealand in rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games and Rio Olympics. He also played for RC Toulon in France’s Top 14 league after leaving Super Rugby.
8. What is Liam Messam’s connection to Maori culture?
As a Maori descendant from Rotorua, Messam embraced Maori traditions throughout his life and rugby career. His leadership of the haka reflected his cultural pride and respect for ancestral heritage.
9. Who is Liam Messam married to?
Liam Messam is married to Monique Corbett. The couple has two sons together, balancing family life alongside his sporting achievements.
10. How did Liam Messam perform at IRONMAN New Zealand?
Messam completed IRONMAN New Zealand by swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running a marathon in a total time of 12:17:06. He placed 328th overall out of 774 participants, showcasing endurance beyond his rugby career.
