Brad Thorn to retire from rugby at end of current season
Wednesday 8 April 2015 21:04, UK
Former New Zealand lock Brad Thorn has announced he is retiring at the end of the season after a glittering 21-year career.
The World Cup winner, who currently plays for Aviva Premiership side Leicester, said his final aim was to play the game at the age of 40.
"My goal was to play top-level rugby at 40 and to play well, and I've done that," he told the BBC. "I've been part of all these teams and it's been awesome but I just think maybe I should do something else."
Thorn started out in rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos, represented Queensland in the State of Origin and won three caps for Australia.
He moved back to New Zealand in 2001 and joined the Canterbury Crusaders, playing 12 Tests for the All Blacks. Thorn went back to rugby league with the Broncos from 2005-07 before returning to union.
And the last of his 59 All Blacks appearances was in the 2011 World Cup final, in which they beat France 8-7.
Thorn helped Leinster lift the 2012 Heineken Cup, becoming the first man to play in victorious World Cup, Super Rugby and European Cup teams.
He joined English Premiership club Leicester last year and has helped the Tigers to fourth in the standings this season.
