41 years young: Former All Black Brad Thorn comes out of retirement

41 years young: Former All Black Brad Thorn comes out of retirement

  • Former All Black Brad Thorn is set to lace up the boots and come out of retirement
  • The lock will represent Queensland Country in the Australian national championship
  • The 41-year-old dual international retired from professional rugby last year after playing 460 rugby and league games 
Former dual international and World Cup winning All Blacks forward Brad Thorn is set to defy age and come out of retirement to play for Queensland Country in this month’s National Rugby Championship.

Thorn played 59 test matches for the All Blacks and helped them win the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

He last played rugby in the country in 2014, but had an injury ravaged season for the Highlanders.

In an interview with foxsports.com.au earlier this year, Thorn said he only retired because he thought that’s what 40-year-olds do.

“I didn’t actually retire because of my body,” Thorn said.



“I retired because it seemed like I should — I turned 40. If you had of put the number 32 next to my name I would have signed another two-year contract.

“My body feels good. And I’ve had a few contacts from clubs about playing overseas, and I sort of say to them ‘that would be fun’ because I just love playing, but this is my focus now and it’s good to have the family back here, and it’s sort of the long-term plan and not popping around everywhere.”

Queensland’s first game in the national championship is against the Canberra Vikings on August 27.


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