Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will return to action with Wellington Firebirds in the State Twenty20.

Fleming will perform a unique dual role as player-director for the Firebirds, having joined the board late last season.

The veteran left-hander will turn out early next year for the capital side, between stints with his Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings.

"I firmly believe that we have what it takes to win this competition," he said in a statement on cricketwellington.co.nz.

"With the winner of this competition potentially qualifying for the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 competition in late 2009, it's an added incentive.

"It's an exciting challenge, and I look forward to playing a leading role for the Firebirds this summer."

Cricket Wellington chief executive Gavin Larsen added: "Securing the services of a player of the international stature and calibre of Stephen Fleming is a coup for the Wellington Firebirds and exciting news for cricket in Wellington.

"Stephen's experience and ability will be invaluable to the Firebirds' State Twenty20 campaign."