All Black Thorn going to Japan
ALL Blacks and Crusaders Super Rugby lock Brad Thorn will play for Japanese club Fukuoka Sanix Blues after this year's World Cup.
Thorn, 36, a key component of the All Blacks' engine room for 50 tests, has signed a two-year deal with the Japanese side which takes effect from the end of the 2011 season, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Thorn was "one of a kind, a special man and a special All Black".
"He is a tower of strength to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby and is the ultimate professional - professionalism which has been honed over 17 years of top-level football," Henry said.
"On the field he has a hard edge, both physically and mentally, and he gives his all to his team-mates. Off field, he unobtrusively ensures others are progressing well. He is an inspiration."
Thorn, whose uncompromising style has made him a favourite of the fans, first made a name for himself in rugby league with NRL side the Brisbane Broncos, before switching codes after seven seasons to play Super Rugby in New Zealand in 2001.
He was first picked for the All Blacks at the end of that year but withdrew from the team so that he could take time to decide on his sporting future.
After taking a year off from sport, he returned to the rugby field and was again selected for the All Blacks in 2003, playing 12 tests.
After a second stint in rugby league from 2005 to 2007, he returned to the All Blacks in 2008 and has been a mainstay in the second row ever since.
"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 said.
"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."
Tribute was also paid by NZRU chief executive Steve Tew who said he could not speak highly enough of a man who had given so much to New Zealand rugby.
Blacks In Japan - News
will continue to achieve - for Crusaders and All Blacks rugby," Henry said. "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.
CHANGE OF SCENE: Former All Black Jerry Collins is moving from Ospreys to the Japanese club scene. Former All Blacks hard man Jerry Collins is heading to Japan next season. The 48-test All Black, who has spent the past two seasons at
will continue to achieve - for Crusaders and All Blacks rugby," Henry said. "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.
ATLANTA (AP) - Blacks and other minorities with cancer are more likely than whites to say they would spend everything they have on aggressive treatments that might prolong their lives, a study found. Researchers don't know why this is so and didn't ask
TOA will have international guests including Jerry Collins and Marty Holah, former All Blacks from New Zealand. Japan winger Koji Tomioka and Jonny Greenwood from Sharjah Wanderers will also be playing. Scott Johnson, director of coaching at Ospreys,
All Black Thorn going to Japan | Northern Rivers Rugby Union ...
All Blacks and Crusaders lock Brad Thorn Super Rugby play for Japanese club Sanix Fukuoka Blues after this year's World Cup.
Thorn, 36, a key component of the engine room of the All Blacks in 50 tests, has signed a two-year contract with Japan, which takes effect at the end of the 2011 season, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU ) confirmed.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Thorn was "unique in its kind, a very special man and a special All Black."
"It is a tour de force of rugby the All Blacks and New Zealand and is the ultimate professional - professionalism that has been honed over 17 years of high level football," said Henry.
"On the field, he has a hard edge, physically and mentally, and he gives everything to his teammates. Off the field, it ensures that others are quietly making good progress. It is a source of inspiration."
Thorn, whose uncompromising style has made him a fan favorite, first made a name for himself in rugby league with NRL side Brisbane Broncos before moving codes after seven seasons at play Super Rugby in New Zealand in 2001.
He was first selected for the All Blacks at the end of this year, but withdrew from the team so he could take the time to decide on his sporting future.
After taking a year off from sports, he returned to the rugby field and was again selected for the All Blacks in 2003, playing 12 tests.
After a second stint in rugby league from 2005 to 2007, he returned to the All Blacks in 2008 and has been a mainstay in the second row ever since.
"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 said.
"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."
Tribute was also paid by NZRU chief executive Steve Tew who said he could not speak highly enough of a man who had given so much to New Zealand rugby.
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