Rugby: A Thorn not in our side

Can Brad Thorn complete the rare treble of NRL, Super Ruby and Heineken Cup glory? Photo / Getty Images

The fairytale career of Brad Thorn could begin its final chapter later this year with reports he plans to join Clermont after the World Cup.

The defending French champions are on a major recruitment drive, having signed French first five David Skrela and hooker Benjamin Kayser, Welsh fullback Lee Byrne from Cardiff and one-cap All Black Regan King from Scarlets. They are also in talks with Thorn about a one-year deal.

The 36-year-old lock has said 2011 will be his last as an All Black. He feels the time will be right for him to retire from test rugby after the World Cup, but he is keen to keep playing and would love a crack at the Heineken Cup.

Clermont is a good bet for Thorn as they currently lie second on the table - they need to finish in the top six to secure a Heineken spot - and have made the French play-offs for the last four years. An added attraction for Thorn is head coach, former Crusaders assistant, Vern Cotter.

Should Thorn sign with Clermont - he is believed to have other offers - he would join a rejuvenated Sione Lauaki making the club one of the most formidable teams in Europe. Having won the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos and Super Rugby with the Crusaders, Thorn could complete a rare treble of titles if he joins Clermont and helps them to Heineken Cup glory. That would be the ideal way to end a career that began with the Broncos nearly 20 years ago. Recognised as one of the toughest men in world rugby and respected throughout the league world for his bravery and commitment, Thorn admits to being terrified about the prospect of life without professional rugby.

"I have been doing this since I was six [playing rugby]," he said last year. "I feel so good out there. It feels so natural, so right - where I am meant to be. When it all ends? I have to give that some serious thought. It's quite daunting for me, post footy.

"I have got four children to think about as well, so do I come to Europe for a year or two to finish? Or do I finish out with another year of Super Rugby?

"I wouldn't mind playing after 2011. Not the top level. I feel like my time would be done anyway, but even if I was good enough, the time would be right. You can't ask that much of your family, but it would be nice to have a year or two of some form of rugby and hopefully the next step after that evolves so I just don't jump off the cliff as it were."

Thorn is expected to make his mind up in the next month or so, preferably before the Crusaders play their opening match against the Blues on February 19.

Senior All Blacks are challenging themselves and their peers to have post 2011 plans decided early this year to prevent contract negotiations from being a distraction at the critical part of the season.