Brad Thorn in action for the Brisbane Broncos earlier this year. Photo / Getty Images
Brad Thorn is set to make another shock return to the Crusaders, with the former All Blacks and Kangaroos double international committing to a one-season deal with Super 14 rugby powerhouse.
Thorn, who ended his second stint in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Brisbane Broncos last
month, will be named as a member of the six-time champion's squad on October 31.
In a move mirroring the Crusaders' acquisition of All Black lock Ali Williams earlier this year, the Mosgiel-born 32-year-old utility forward will be aligned to the Tasman union in order to fall under the franchise's catchment area.
It is unsure how many, if any, games Thorn will play for the province though as he is unlikely to figure in the All Blacks set-up it is possible he will feature in the Air NZ Cup.
The barnstorming, super-fit, lock/loose forward first switched codes in 2001 as a 25 year old when he joined Canterbury and the Crusaders.
After a handful of games as a No.8 and lock he was named for the All Blacks end of year tour to France, Italy and Argentina by then coaches John Mitchell and Robbie Deans but famously turned down the selection, believing he had not earned the honour.
Thorn, who moved to Australia as an child, took time out in 2002 to work as a builder in Brisbane before resurfacing in Christchurch in 2003, the season he earned the first of his 12 caps against Wales at Hamilton that June.
He started four pool games at the World Cup in Australia later that year and came off the bench in the quarterfinal, semifinal and third/fourth place play-off.
Thorn returned across the Tasman to the Broncos in 2004 and won another NRL premiership last year.
Although he is not considered a long-term prospect, Thorn appears a handy signing for Deans, who is desperate to atone for a disappointing semifinal elimination from this year's Super 14.
Thorn bolsters a second row-loose forward roster already featuring Williams - a ready-made replacement for England-bound lock Chris Jack - Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuiali'i and relative rookies Kieran Read and Michael Paterson.
Wellington lock Ross Filipo is another second row option for the Crusaders should he return to Christchurch for a fifth campaign.
- NZPA
