Rugby: Highlanders say Thorn won't be returning

Brad Thorn has still got another year left in him. Photo / Getty Images.

It looks like time is officially up on Brad Thorn's New Zealand rugby career.

The Highlanders have announced the 39-year-old won't be back at the franchise in 2015 and is heading overseas.

Thorn joined the Highlanders in 2013, after a couple of seasons in Japan following the Rugby World Cup.

But he missed the bulk of this season after suffering a bicep injury in April.The Highlanders have also lost fellow lock Josh Bekhuis for next season.

After six years down South, Bekhuis has signed with the Blues for 2015.