Piri Weepu signs for Wairarapa Bush

Piri Weepu will make a return to rugby in New Zealand after he was named as the Wairarapa Bush's marquee signing for this season's Heartland Championship.

The Rugby World Cup-winning halfback will join the team for the sole 2017 season after three successive seasons playing in England and France respectively.

"It's a bit of fun before I hang up the boots," Weepu said.

"I'm going to enjoy a bit of rugby over there, get to know the boys over there and I'm looking forward to some good times."

The 33-year-old endured a tough time overseas, playing just 32 matches since leaving New Zealand in 2014 and leaving all four clubs he signed with well before the end of each respective contract.

Wairarapa Bush head coach Joe Harwood said the chance to sign Weepu was a chance they couldn't look past.

"His knowledge of the game and being able to share that, not just with the younger guys but the senior guys in the team too, is a fantastic opportunity for us," Harwood says.

"We want Piri to enjoy his time with us as much as he can, and we want our guys to learn as much as they can while he is here."

Weepu follows in the footsteps of fellow former All Black Zac Guildford, who signed with 'The Bush' for last season before signing with Waikato for this year's Mitre 10 Cup competition.