The Queensland Reds have announced the signing of former All Black Adam Thomson for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Thomson has played 29 tests for the All Blacks and has made 68 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders after making his debut in 2006. He has played the last two seasons in Japan.
The signing of Thomson means he will be ineligible for the All Blacks 2015 World Cup squad.
At age 32 he is probably towards the end of his career but his strong running game and experience will be significant for the Reds back row for the upcoming season.
Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham was happy with the signing.
“It was evident Adam is still genuinely craving the competitive nature of Super Rugby,” he said.
“As an All Black and World Cup winner, his influence on the Super Rugby competition has been enormous. He was at the heart of everything the Highlanders did. His signing is another indication of the quality of player and person we want to bring to the Reds.
“Adam rounds out a highly competitive backrow and he brings an outstanding skill set to the way that we want to play the game. Along with Jake (Schatz) I believe Adam is one of the best aerial forwards in the modern game.
“Whilst Adam will have a role as mentor to some of the younger players, his priority is to be the best player he can. He understands the greatest influence he can have on the group is through his performances and I can assure you he is excited by that challenge.”
