All Black lock Brad Thorn is set to make yet another code change after signing a one year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union which will see him joining his old side the Crusaders for the 2008 Super 14 competition.
The 32-year-old veteran, who is due in Christchurch next month for pre-season training, said that his second stint with the Canterbury side had been motivated by the desire to win a Super 14 title with his old team.
A Dual International, Thorn began his sporting career playing rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos in 1994 before switching to rugby union at the end of 2000. In 2003 he played 12 tests for the All Blacks, and was part of the New Zealand World Cup campaign that same year.
He switched back to Rugby League in 2004 after the side failed to win the World Cup.
“The thing that really pulled at me was the chance to have another crack at a Super 14 title,” Thorn told The Press newspaper.
“I played in two finals and lost both of them.”
Thorn, who is not considered a long term prospect, admitted that he had turned down offers from union and league clubs in Britain and France to play for the Crusaders in 2008.
The second row forward is the latest in a Crusaders roster that includes the likes of Ali Williams – who has been drafted into the side to replace England bound All Black team-mate Chris Jack – Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuiali’i and youngsters Kieran Read and Michael Paterson.
The 32-year-old veteran, who is due in Christchurch next month for pre-season training, said that his second stint with the Canterbury side had been motivated by the desire to win a Super 14 title with his old team.
A Dual International, Thorn began his sporting career playing rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos in 1994 before switching to rugby union at the end of 2000. In 2003 he played 12 tests for the All Blacks, and was part of the New Zealand World Cup campaign that same year.
He switched back to Rugby League in 2004 after the side failed to win the World Cup.
“The thing that really pulled at me was the chance to have another crack at a Super 14 title,” Thorn told The Press newspaper.
“I played in two finals and lost both of them.”
Thorn, who is not considered a long term prospect, admitted that he had turned down offers from union and league clubs in Britain and France to play for the Crusaders in 2008.
The second row forward is the latest in a Crusaders roster that includes the likes of Ali Williams – who has been drafted into the side to replace England bound All Black team-mate Chris Jack – Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuiali’i and youngsters Kieran Read and Michael Paterson.
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