All Blacks lock Brad Thorn to conclude his international rugby career for Japanese club after RWC
All Blacks and Crusaders lock Brad Thorn is set to conclude his international rugby career after this year’s Rugby World Cup.
He has signed a two-year deal with a Japanese club Fukuoka Sanix Blues. New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed that he will be heading towards an overseas club by the end of world championship.
His international career would come to an end as NZRU is very committed to it policy of selecting the players who stay in New Zealand. Brad Thorn has a memorable career with the All Blacks and he is considered a senior campaigner of his team.
He has secured 50 All Blacks test caps under his belt. He started of his rugby career with the Brisbane Force playing in National Rugby League. He migrated to New Zealand from Australia after the introduction of switching codes in 2001.
He was listed in All Blacks side at the end of 2001 but played his first test in 2003. His unique style and persistent performance kept him with the national side throughout his career.
The All Blacks coach Graham Henry applauded the outgoing star and wished him better luck. Henry said that Thorn is a nice guy to work with and he has got really a learning soul. It was incredible for the coach that Thorn was still committed to learn new
things at the age of 36. The coach attributed his services commenced with the All Blacks unit and said, “On behalf of the All Blacks, I congratulate him on what he has achieved and will continue to achieve for Crusaders and All Blacks rugby.”
Henry added, “The remarkable thing is at 36 years young he is still improving and, knowing Brad, he will continue to improve. He will go to Japan next year with our very best wishes.”
Thorn is recently playing in Super Rugby championship for the Crusaders and his overseas contract would see him no more in the next season. The Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder was gloomed by his decision and he wanted him to be with his team for many
times more.
Blackadder responded to Thorn’s new deal, “I can't say enough about Brad and his contribution to the Crusaders over the years. He is a true professional and a fantastic role model for all rugby players, both young and old.”
Interestingly Brad Thorn has taken the decision after All Blacks Coach Henry appreciated the senior players of his team for staying within their national side. The coach also burst at the young money chasers who drain towards European clubs. The All Blacks
have been asked to clear their future after RWC and another player Luke McAlister has followed him.
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