NRC: Queensland Country have Thorn in their side

Thu, Aug 11, 2016, 10:55 PM
AAP
by AAP
Queensland Country have unveiled Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu as their coach for the 2016 NRC. The assistants will be former head coach Jason Gilmore and All Blacks great Brad Thorn with Rodney Seib announced as Brisbane City head coach.

He’s the All Black legend who just can’t quit.

At 41, Brad Thorn is set to make his return to the field, named in the Queensland Country Squad for this year’s Buildcorp NRC.

Thorn retired from professional rugby in mid-2015, after a career that lasted over 20-years in both union and league.

The second-rower gave every indication we hadn’t seen the last of him on the field when he was announced as part of the Queensland Reds coaching staff back in January.

“I didn’t actually retire because of my body,” Thorn said.

“I retired because it seemed like I should, I turned 40.

“If you had of put the number 32 next to my name I would have signed another two-year contract.

“My body feels good.”

Brad Thorn was part of the All Blacks 2011 World Cup winning team.  Photo: Getty Images

Thorn will play a dual for Queensland Country in the Buildcorp NRC, also signing on to be the forwards coach.

Queensland Country’s first game of the season is against the UC Vikings at Bond University on August 28.

 

Share
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus wants the team to find another level after their demolition of Italy. Photo: Getty Images
Erasmus demands more after Springboks crush Italy
Reds winger Tim Ryan...two tries in winning start in Japan
Tim Ryan Double in Winning Start to China Airlines Reds International Tour
Son of English parents Canham ready to soar in Wallabies' gold
Hugo Keenan crossed for a hat-trick as Ireland eased past Argentina. Photo: Getty Images
Hugo Keenan treble leads Ireland to rout of Argentina