New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn back in action at the age of 41
Thursday 22 September 2016 09:33, UK
Brad Thorn is expected to make his return to top-class rugby at the age of 41 this weekend after being named in the Queensland squad to play in Australia's National Rugby Championship.
The second-row was a member of the New Zealand team which won the World Cup in 2011.
Since then he has played for Irish province Leinster, Otago Highlanders and most recently Leicester Tigers.
Thorn never officially retired from the game and, when he joined Queensland Reds as an assistant coach for the Super Rugby side last year, he hinted he would be keen to participate in the 2016 competition if needed.
He did not play for the Reds but became a player-coach for Queensland Country in Australia's third tier competition and was named in their squad for Saturday's clash against Western Sydney Rams.
Coach Toutai Kefu said: "It's great to welcome a player of Brad's calibre into the team.
New Zealand NPC Rugby Union
"He has been excellent in his role as assistant coach and the players are all really looking forward to having the chance to play alongside him."
Thorn earned 59 Test caps for the All Blacks but also spent eight years with the Brisbane Broncos in Australia's National Rugby League, as well as playing international rugby for the 13-man code.
