Adam Thomson: Off to Japan?
Friday's ITM Cup Championship division final could be All Black flank Adam Thomson's last game in New Zealand.
Thomson will run out for Otago against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe but Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has indicated that the 28-Test flank is unlikely to renew his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union when it expires at the end of the year.
New Zealand's Super Rugby teams will announce their 28 protected players next week and Joseph has hinted that 30-year-old Thomson, who has fallen behind Liam Messam in the All Blacks pecking order and is believed to be considering a move to Japan, will be a notable absentee.
"Adam hasn't committed to New Zealand rugby so it's difficult to select him. That indicates he's heading overseas," Joseph told Fairfax Media.
"He's been a great servant and he will be sorely missed.
"If he's not playing test matches then he's not playing the level of rugby he's hoping to get.
"He's a quality player, there's no doubt about that.
"He's been a big part of our resurgence down here in the deep south at the Highlanders. His play is going to be really missed within the team, but as always happens in New Zealand it will give some else another opportunity.
"I respected his time and the options he was considering. I respect the decisions he's making because I've made those same decisions as a rugby player," added Joseph.
"Having been there and done that I stepped away. I knew if he stayed in New Zealand he would play for the Highlanders."
Comments
Honestpom says...
If he came to England Thomson is the type of back row forward who would take to the Aviva Premiership like a duck to water and be a great success for whoever he played for.
Posted 09:41 29th October 2012
ferdie says...
Trader2 - you may be right - see he's named for ABs NH tour, less likely they'd have taken him if he was playing overseas in 2013. Looked at his ABs profile page - I saw his test debut v Ireland in Wellington, and a couple of stats for him - never lost a match in his time with NZ Under 19, Under 21 and Sevens sides. And was in the Christchurch Boys High First XV along with Dan Carter.
Posted 05:03 29th October 2012
Carpelone says...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14603733
Kenny not only is gay but he is also stupid.
Posted 22:17 28th October 2012
passtheball says...
Carpelone - not quite the same as McCaw - Thomson is too obvious and he seems to stick out in play.
Thomson's style is too similar to Messam and Vito and it looks like he is in 3rd position. The ABs might be on the lookout for a big bruiser to replace Kaino too but they will probably lose the ball skills on the current 6's. They will miss him in Otago.
Posted 10:23 28th October 2012
Trader2 says...
The hot wire from my normally reliable 'snout" in Dunedin - he will sign for another 2yrs with the NZRFU, not sure if he will be staying with Highlanders though. Keep fingers crossed.
Posted 10:14 28th October 2012
Toulousain says...
oooops, almost missed you out kennyisgay. nice to hear you back on the boards! hope you've been doing well etc. btw, there is more than one nation that switch 6 and 7.... but hey, who's counting!!
Posted 21:47 27th October 2012
Toulousain says...
Hmm. Another AB who has visited us a few times for talks. Fine player. We heard Vern Cotter wanted him more, but then Chouly was taken from Perpignan instead. Toulon are already full of backrowers. So I guess it's Japan.... unless he wants to prove himself all over again in a mid-table French club like Biarritz or Perpignan, and hope to move his way up after a season or two (a la Cris Masoe). He could do it. He's good enough clearly. He's only 30. Too young for Japan surely??
Posted 21:40 27th October 2012
logophile says...
This is a shame in that I enjoy watching him play and now I won't get to. But he deserves whatever rewards he may reap in Japan. I like that he seems to have a sense of humor, one only needs to look at his reactions after most of his tries.
Posted 20:09 26th October 2012
kpe12 says...
Quality cream that never quite rose to the top.
Full credit to the guy, he played his best rugby in the highlanders jersey vs the crusaders but never had the mentality to take it to the wallabies or the boks.
I will enjoy watching him crushing George Smith playing his half assed game for Suntory, and hopefully he can bring his side some pride in the op league because he deserves a win somewhere (Otago/Highlanders never quite gave him the results he deserved).
Posted 15:28 26th October 2012
jaswai says...
@StunTheMullet Haha nice one. I imagine if ex-All Blacks that can't get a game now could play for other countries then Lancaster would be on myheritage.com faster than a rat up a drainpipe.
Posted 11:51 26th October 2012
jonesy2 says...
and then even if he waited it out luke braid and luke whitelock are the next generation
Posted 10:38 26th October 2012
jonesy2 says...
this is gutting and i dont get it to be honest, he must be so frustrated that he hasnt cemented the black number 6 jersey with kaino gone. he is basically in the top 3 or 4 blindsides in the world it just so happens that so are messam and vito
Posted 10:34 26th October 2012
pierredelot1 says...
Well he may not be playing in NZ next season, but at least he will be earning a good crust. Fair play to him, he's paid his dues and gained experience and now he can go out into the big wide world and be properly paid for his skills. Bring it on. Just like any other job really, gain experience, then utilise your talents for your own future benefit and learn to live a little.
Posted 10:07 26th October 2012
kennyisgay says...
Showing your lack of rugby knowledge there Carpelonesome as he and McCaw play different positions. Open side = 7 (McCaw), blindside = 6 (Thomson). Unless your ignorant like a certain nation who do the opposite just to be ignorant.... or like you, are too dumb to know the difference between 6 & 7
Posted 09:50 26th October 2012
kenzo says...
Awww that sure sucks im sure if he stayed for a bit longer h e would surely have a final or even a super tit e under his belt especially with all the talent in the squad. Bad timing youd to say. I've always respected tommo and i hope he considers doing a stint with the nh clubs instead of spending all his remaining time in the rugby purgatory that is japan. Maybe he will even pull a brad thorn/tamati ellison and return to the motherland somewhere down the track
Posted 04:36 26th October 2012
rakavi187 says...
30-yr old and riding pine behind Messam & Vito...yep, time is definitely up for him.
Posted 03:00 26th October 2012
runnrugby says...
He seems to have fallen behind Vito as well. Both he and Vito i feel are quite the same. Both play well at super rugby level but not so much at international against top teams. The difference is Vito is still young and has more time to become a top international flanker. Still Thompsons experience and versatility will be missed.
Posted 23:15 25th October 2012
Bones7 says...
I'd be very tempted to stay at the Highlanders with the arrivals of Woodcock, Thorn and Nonu!
Posted 22:55 25th October 2012
GCP_JONES says...
He should sign for Toulon they could do with another International player on their books.
Posted 20:50 25th October 2012
sukkadoits says...
It's time to go Thommo, much respect to a top quality, loyal player.
Posted 20:22 25th October 2012