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Brad Thorn has been lured back to rugby by the chance of winning a Super 14 title with the Crusaders after spurning offers to stay with the Brisbane Broncos rugby league club.
Thorn has signed a one-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Tasman, The Press newspaper reported today.
He played as a lock for the Crusaders franchise in 2001, 2003 and 2004 after seven seasons in the National Rugby League with Brisbane.
Thorn, 32, who played 12 tests for the All Blacks in 2003, is due in Christchurch next month for pre-season training.
He said his return to the rugby union after his second stint with Brisbane was motivated by his desire to win a Super title.
"The thing that really pulled at me was the chance to have another crack at a Super 14 title. I played in two finals and lost both of them."
Thorn had also been courted by rugby and league clubs in Britain and France.
Although listed on Tasman's books, the newspaper said there was no guarantee Thorn would play for the province.
He will assess his future following the Super 14.
- NZPA
