ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A Tribute To big Brad Thorn, who will now retire aged 40

BY mattmon10  ·  Friday Apr 10, 2015

Leicester Tigers and former New Zealand second row Brad Thorn has announced his retirement from all forms of competitive rugby at the age of 40, after what can only be described as an outstanding career that has spanned an incredible 21 years. 

Having been born in New Zealand, Thorn’s family moved to Australia while he was in his mid-teens. In 1994 he made his rugby league debut for the Brisbane Broncos where he stayed for 6 years, playing 130 games and scoring 22 tries. 

Whilst at the Broncos, Thorn won the Rookie of the Year award, his first Premiership title and also earned a call up to the Australia side to tour Great Britain. His reputation continued to grow as he was selected for the Queensland State of Origin side three times, and went on to win a further two Premiership Rings. 

During this time Thorn quickly became known as a fearless rugby player, never one to back away from a challenge, and entering every contest with a desire to come out ahead.

Union side The Crusaders were first to put pen to paper when Thorn made it clear he desired a return to his homeland, New Zealand, and signed the monster lock. 

Having initially declined an opportunity to represent New Zealand at 15-aside due to his uncertainty over his commitment to the code, Thorn changed his mind and went on to play as an All Black through the 2003 Rugby World Cup, including a thrilling encounter with Wales, going on to win the Tri-Nations with the Kiwis in the same year. 

History was about to repeat itself however, and the All Black lock switched back to the National Rugby League in 2005, heading back to Australia and playing for the Broncos. Before his return to union in 2008, a further three State of Origin appearances and yet another Premiership Ring were added to Thorn’s collection. 

Far from finished with his haul of achievements, next on the checklist was winning the Super Rugby title with The Crusaders, swiftly accomplished in 2008. 

In the 2008 Tri-Nations, Thorn was banned for one week after a dangerous tackle on South African forward, John Smit. The Springbok got his revenge a year later, when he blind-sided the Kiwi lock with a powerful and entirely legal hit.

A return to the national setup welcomed more Tri-Nations trophies in 2008 and 2010. His phenomenal work-rate and obvious desire to win did not go unnoticed and Thorn was a prominent feature for the All Blacks during their successful World Cup campaign of 2011.

In 2012 he joined Irish side Leinster on a three month contract, and featuring in the starting line-up for their Heineken Cup victory meant that Thorn became the first player ever to win a World Cup, a Super Rugby title and the Heineken Cup.

Having returned once again to the southern hemisphere to join the Highlanders, Thorn played his 100th Super Rugby game against the Sharks in 2013.

An unfortunate bicep injury made it seem that his stated goal of playing until he was 40 looked to be slipping away.

An extension to his career plans however saw him sign to Aviva Premiership club Leicester Tigers in late 2014, and once he finishes his season at the English based club, Thorn has announced he will retire, and lower the curtain on a truly extraordinary and impressive rugby career. 

The video below shows some of Brad Thorn’s highlights. Check out page 2 for another amazing video featuring Brad that was made before a Bledisloe Cup encounter last year. 

Or head to the Related Posts below this for more Brad Thorn moments

credit: kingzprductionz

credit: SKY Sport NZ

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Adam Radwan sets sights on Olympic honours...

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    Kyle Rowe’s remarkable journey from an...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All