Rugby: Former All Black Brad Thorn signs with Reds

Brad Thorn has retired from playing rugby after a trophy-packed career in both forms of the game. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Former All Black Brad Thorn has signed a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds as a development coach.

Following in the wake of his retirement announcement, Thorn, 40, will coach up-and-coming forwards at the Brisbane-based franchise.

Thorn will play his final game of professional rugby this weekend for Leicester before his return to Queensland, where he lived after moving from New Zealand as a youngster.

Thorn's move will be significant for several reasons. He has a close affinity for Brisbane as he revealed before the grand final between the Crusaders and the Reds in 2011 when both teams were reeling from natural disasters - the Crusaders from the Christchurch earthquakes and the Reds from the city's flooding.

He represented Queensland in State of Origin and the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL and has made no secret of his love of the place. Thorn has long worried about what he would do after playing professional rugby in both codes for more than 20 years.

It is the latest announcement by the struggling franchise, who were humiliated 58-17 by the Crusaders at the weekend. It was recently announced that John Connolly would be appointed as a coaching advisor to under-fire head coach Richard Graham.

The Reds, who won the competition in 2011, are currently in last place on the Super Rugby table.

"I am very excited about becoming involved with the Reds and am grateful for the chance to continue my involvement in rugby," Thorn said.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity of working with the boys and sharing what I have learnt over the years.

"My family and I are excited about moving back to Brisbane and starting this next chapter in our lives."