Former All Black and Highlanders loose forward Adam Thomson has signed a two-year deal with the Canon Eagles in Japan.
It ends months of speculation as to where the World Cup winner, who played 29 Tests for New Zealand, was to ply his trade after not re-signing with the Highlanders.
The 31-year-old will join former Highlanders team-mates Callum Bruce and Kane Thompson as well as former All Black Isaia Toeava at the club.
"I'm excited to be embarking on the next stage of my career with the Canon Eagles in 2013 but jointly saddened to be closing a significant chapter of my life," Thomson said in a statement.
"I'm humbled and proud to have had the opportunity to represent Otago, the Highlanders and the All Blacks throughout my career.
"The experiences and friendships I have made will last a lifetime and my heart will always remain with New Zealand rugby. I will be forever grateful to the coaches, fellow players, and fans that have made this journey possible."
Comments
ferdie says...
Good for him, been a great player for Otago and Highlanders.
May also play v ex-Highlander Josh Blackie who's been their 6 seasons, David Hill (Chiefs/ABs) 5 seasons, Stephen Brett from Crusaders/Blues, they have enough for a NZ Exiles team, as could the many South Africans playing there..
The 2012 New Zealand Rugby Almanack listed over 300 New Zealanders playing professionally overseas, quite an export business. Jerome Kaino must be the highest paid of the ones in Japan, on $1.1million NZD. Sunday's news was that Dan Carter negotiating with Japan clubs rather than France for his 2013/14 break he negotiated in his NZRU contract.
Posted 11:23 21st February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
He will leave a big void in the Highlanders team. He's massive for the team. He basically carried Haskell for the whole of last season.
Posted 10:59 21st February 2013
12Counties says...
This is a disgrace, Japanese teams pinching Kiwis when they're slightly over the hill. Where are we europeans going to fill our problem positions from now?
Posted 09:30 21st February 2013