The All Blacks lock Brad Thorn is to leave New Zealand rugby after the World Cup, signing a two-year deal with the Japanese club Sanix Blues.
The 36-year-old former Brisbane Broncos and Australian rugby league player made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2001.
Thorn was first selected for the All Blacks the same year but withdrew from the team to decide on his sporting future.
After taking a year off from sport, he returned to rugby and was again selected for the All Blacks in 2003.
He then had a second stint in rugby league from 2005 to 2007 before returning to the All Blacks in 2008 and has been a mainstay of the forward pack since, having played 50 Tests.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry says Thorn is a remarkable player and even at 36 he's still improving.
He joins prop John Afoa and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu as long-term All Blacks who've said they'll leave New Zealand after the World Cup.
The New Zealand union's asked the All Blacks to clarify their playing future before the World Cup with captain Richie McCaw and first five Dan Carter still to confirm if they will stay or leave New Zealand afterwards.
