Thorne withdraws from Junior All Blacks

Reuben Thorne

Crusaders veteran Reuben Thorne has withdrawn from the Junior All Blacks rugby squad.

His withdrawal was announced today, one day after he was named to captain the team.

The Junior All Blacks are to contest the inaugural Pacific Five Nations tournament next month, starting with a game against Fiji on Saturday.

Thorne's place in the 26-man squad has gone to North Harbour loose forward Anthony Boric, while the captaincy is temporarily vacant.

In announcing his withdrawal, the New Zealand Rugby Union said Thorne, 31, and a veteran of 41 tests for the All Blacks, had instead decided to undertake "a recovery and reconditioning programme" after his Crusaders team's victory in the Super 14 final over the Hurricanes last Saturday.

"Reuben is an extremely experienced player who holds himself to very high standards and we respect his decision," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

"We picked him for the Junior All Blacks because of his good form and leadership abilities but he tells us he needs a recovery window right now, so that's the best thing."

Thorne played in every Super 14 match for the Crusaders this season.

- NZPA