Wellington Lions sign former Highlander Trent Renata

Former Highlanders first-five Trent Renata will return to New Zealand to play for the Wellington Lions.

The 29-year-old has been plying his trade for Italian first-division club Mogliano for the last two seasons and will link up with his old Waikato coach Chris Gibbes in the capital for the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup season.

Gibbes is also returning to New Zealand after four seasons as an assistant coach with Welsh club Ospreys.

Along with 66 caps for Waikato, Renata has also played for Otago and Tasman, while his Super Rugby experience includes 12 matches for the Highlanders and two for the Chiefs.