Crusaders lock Brad Thorn is the latest All Black to commit to New Zealand rugby, signing a new deal through to 2011.
Crusaders lock signs on until 2011 with NZRU
Brad Thorn is the latest All Blacks player to commit to New Zealand rugby, with the Crusaders lock re-signing with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Canterbury RFU through to 2011.
34-year-old Thorn joins a key group of senior players who have committed to New Zealand rugby through to 2011, including All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Keven Mealamu, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore.
"At this stage of my career I am really enjoying my footy and keen to continue playing rugby for the Crusaders and the All Blacks," said Brad Thorn.
"My family are settled here in Christchurch and I love the environment so I'm keen to end my professional career playing rugby in New Zealand."
Union happy
"We are delighted that Brad is staying," said NZRU CEO Steve Tew.
"As everyone who knows him will tell you, he is a very special bloke with an incredible work ethic and a high set of values, and he is an invaluable member of any team he is selected for. We will all benefit from his continued commitment."
"Brad Thorn is an exceptional guy who helps set high standards for us at the Crusaders and to have him re-commit until 2011 is a real boost," said Crusaders and Canterbury RFU CEO Hamish Riach.
"His efforts on the field are not only incredible, he also does so much behind the scenes, so to retain someone with his attributes and character is a really good result."
Thorn has played 24 Tests for the All Blacks since 2003 and has had an illustrious career in both rugby and rugby league.
After a celebrated career in league in Australia, Mosgiel-born Thorn turned to rugby with the Crusaders and Canterbury and was first selected for the All Blacks at the end of 2001.
He withdrew so that he could take time to decide on his sporting future, and returned to rugby in 2003 and made his All Blacks debut later that year, against Wales in Hamilton.
He had a second stint in league from 2005 to 2007 before returning to rugby and the All Blacks in 2008.
