Rugby: Canterbury deny head-hunting Thorn

Expected star signing Brad Thorn could be better off financially playing elsewhere in New Zealand and he has not been head-hunted, according to Canterbury coach Robbie Deans.

Thorn is expected to announce shortly that he will join Canterbury to pursue a goal to play rugby in New Zealand and for the All Blacks.

Deans is aware of the possibility of an anti-Canterbury feeling around New Zealand as the already player-rich Crusaders get richer with Thorn's imminent signing.

But he has denied Canterbury has actively sought the Otago-born player's services, saying Thorn sought information on the province's rugby programs and how things were structured before making his decision.

- IRN