The Highlanders have confirmed that former All Black lock Brad Thorn has signed a one-year contract to play with the franchise for Super Rugby 2013.
Thorn was part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup winning side and has been playing for Fukuoka Sanix Blues in Japan's Top League. He will join the franchise early in the new year to begin preparation for the coming season.
Thorn has a decorated professional sporting career, including success in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos and Queensland, Super Rugby with the Crusaders and more recently with Irish-based province Leinster who lifted the Heineken Cup.
Thorn made his test debut for the All Blacks in 2003 against Wales in Hamilton. He played 59 test matches in total, including his last Test which was against France in the RWC final last year.
Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph, who recently returned from a visit to Japan, believes the inclusion of Thorn in the Highlanders squad will be invaluable for 2013.
"Brad brings a great deal of professionalism to any team he plays for. His work ethic, experience and leadership will add a great deal to our team and have a very positive influence on the younger players" said Joseph.
"Brad is a very competitive athlete and from what I saw in Japan recently he is still playing rugby at an International standard.
"We talk a lot about the culture at the Highlanders and Brad is a perfect fit, both on and off the field."
Highlanders General Manager Roger Clark commented that securing a player like second-row forward Thorn was great for the team, but also the franchise region as a whole.
"Brad started his rugby career in Mosgiel and he still has family in the region. A player of his calibre returning to offer something back to the region shows the kind of player and person he is. It's also a reflection of the progress the franchise has made over the past couple of years" commented Clark.
New Zealand Rugby Union General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said it was a major boost to the Highlanders and great to have the Thorn family back in New Zealand.
"This is exciting news for Highlanders fans and for rugby fans," he said.
"Brad is an incredible athlete and professional who commands a lot of respect on and off the field because of his attitude and work rate. We're rapt to have Brad, Mary-Anne and the family back in New Zealand and we're looking forward to seeing him in action in the 2013 Investec Super Rugby season."
Comments
side_stepper says...
Why don't you come and play for my provincial side in Fiji, just to add another medal to your tally. You certainly don't need another Super Rugby medal, do you? Living legend!!
Posted 08:35 19th October 2012
Ferdie says...
mew2000: Ma'a Nonu 'keeps changing teams' 'attitude problem'
Really? Look at his career.
He has changed teams just once. After nine seasons and 110 matches with the Hurricanes he signed a one year contract with the Blues as he had not been offered renewal with Hurricanes.
2012 is his eleventh straight year with Wellington Lions though as an international he rarely gets to play for them (just 46 times).
2013 he had, reportedly, contract offers from Blues and Highlanders - he chose the latter (there can be only one!).
OK?/
Posted 23:53 18th October 2012
Trader2 says...
mew2000
Have read a few comments from you before, seems you have that big chip on your shoulder. If you looked behind the decisions pehaps you would understand, but then again you need to know the game and I suspect you do not.
Posted 23:28 18th October 2012
mew2000 says...
All talent doesn't mean they will win every year look at the crusaders.... Yes some say the best coach helps but mostly it's luck with travel and injuries...... If i was the highlanders i wouldn't have taken nonu, something is wrong when he keeps changing teams, sounds like he has an attitude problem and they aren't good for the team... What happens if another number 12 starts playing better than nonu? HAnsen and co can be morons at times look at weepu! HE isn't bringing much to the ab's and smith is the no 1 and frankly weepu is mainly usuful for leading the haka only!
Posted 18:35 18th October 2012
bcrugby913 says...
jeez, hore, thorn, woodcock, nonu...awesome highlanders team, plus all the returning talent they have
Posted 16:47 18th October 2012
Trader2 says...
The Highlanders - 2013 Super Champions. You read it on here first. Go the Landers.
Posted 14:55 18th October 2012
BringBackBuck says...
Thorn Rocks !
Look forward to seeing him play again, he'd be welcomed back to Aotearoa.
Posted 10:54 18th October 2012
kid_diablo says...
i know the english are getting desperate but come on pr, trying to claim that Leicester won the last h cup is a bit much :)
Posted 10:20 18th October 2012
StunTheMullet says...
It only gets better in the Highlands.
Posted 10:16 18th October 2012
kappelange says...
They brought back Brad
this is so awesome!
The Highlanders are starting to build a formidable squad. I'm just not sure about Nonu though, but the possible tight five that they can pick is better than any in SR.
Posted 08:42 18th October 2012