By CHRIS RATTUE
Auckland prop and former captain Paul Thomson is quitting New Zealand rugby to play for Scottish club Borders.
The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal and leaves next month.
The recently formed professional club, the third in Scotland, is coached by former All Black assistant coach Tony Gilbert.
Thomson
says that after missing out on the Blues squad this season, playing overseas became the obvious option.
"I was offered a small retainer to stay here, but it wasn't really worth it. The one good thing about missing out on a Super 12 side is, as soon as you do, your contract is null and void and you are free to go elsewhere.
"I have a few regrets. I came into the Auckland team when they were on top and I'm leaving when they aren't, which is a huge disappointment.
"And I don't believe I reached my full potential in New Zealand rugby. But that's life, and I've got no excuses."
Three seasons ago Thomson had to make a comeback from major neck surgery and was often seen in games twisting his neck around.
But he said the operation had been a success and had not affected his performance.
"Maybe there was something in the subconscious, but the neck exercises were just a habit really," he said.
He listed the high points of his career as being in the Blues side who won the Super 12 in 1997, captaining Auckland to the NPC title in 1999 after returning from the serious injury, and numerous matches for New Zealand Maori, which he said gave particular satisfaction.
Thomson made his Auckland debut in 1996 and played 53 games for the union, including all 11 last year, plus 37 matches in the Super 12.
* Maori wing Roger Randle will miss the opening tour match against Queensland in Brisbane on Tuesday night because of a back strain.
Randle is expected to be fit for the second encounter, against New South Wales, in Sydney four days later.
The Maori team, who are in camp on the North Shore, leave for Australia on Sunday.
* The teenager who tackled Brumbies captain George Gregan during a Super 12 match in Rotorua on May 4 has been banned from attending Chiefs matches for 12 months, following a family group conference.
As well, the boy is to undertake community work in Rotorua and Te Puke as part of his punishment.
Friends of the 15-year-old Te Puke boy offered to pay him $200 if he tackled Gregan.
