Homecoming for Matt Proctor as he signs with the Wellington Lions for 2024

The Mills Albert Wellington Lions are thrilled by the return of star midfielder Matt Proctor.
 
Proctor returns to the Wellington side following a season with Super Rugby club, the Melbourne Rebels and four seasons in the English Premiership for the Northampton Saints.
 
“I’m a proud Wellingtonian, born and raised, so it’s a privilege to be back wearing the Lions jersey,” Proctor said of his return,
 
“Wellington is the club that started this whole journey for me, and it will always be home. It’s an exciting time to jump on board as well, to carry on the momentum they’ve built in the last few years.”
 
Wellington Lions Head Coach, Alando Soakai, said Proctor was a welcome addition to the 2024 squad.
 
“Matt’s signing for us was around experience, leadership and the ability to cover positions,” Soakai says,
 
“We’re bringing back a player who has worn the ‘spider’ many times, is from the region and is familiar with the Lions environment. That’s going to make him hugely influential both on the field and off.”  
 
Debuting back in 2012, Proctor built a reputation as one of the finest midfielders in the competition during his time with the Lions. He played 51 matches for the side and was named captain for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup.
 
Proctor made a spectacular debut for the Hurricanes in 2013, scoring a try against the Stormers in Palmerston North. He went on to earn 67 caps for the side, and 12 tries.
 
In 2018, Proctor made his international debut when he was called into the All Blacks squad for their November test against Japan. Once again the midfielder managed to get across the line on debut, with New Zealand beating Japan by 69-31.