Former All Black Liam Messam has announced some exciting baby news, saying he is “beyond grateful” after a recent heartache. In an Instagram post sharing the news, Messam, 41, said he was set to welcome his new baby in June next year. He shared an ultrasound image of his and his partner Monique Corbett’s baby-to-be, along with a photo of his mother. He appears in the image with his mother, Wanda Messam, and the pair can be seen smiling alongside each other. “Although God has called a life home, he has sent a new life to soften the heartache and remind us that love doesn’t end, the circle continues. “Beyond grateful,” Messam said on Instagram. He has had a decorated rugby career, playing for the All Blacks 46 times, including winning a Rugby World Cup title, also claiming two Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs and two Commonwealth Games gold medals with the All Blacks Sevens. After stepping away from the All Blacks in 2015, Messam had stints in the Japanese Top League, represented New Zealand once again at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with the All Blacks Sevens, returned to his beloved Chiefs to become their all-time most-capped player, and headed to France to link up with Toulon in the top 14 before officially retiring from rugby in 2022. Messam currently boxes professionally and competes in ironman events.