Surgery could end legend Brad Thorn's career

[The InnFORCEr]

LOGAN SAVORY
Last updated 05:00 15/04/2014



Brad Thorn's playing days with the Highlanders could be over.

The legendary former rugby league player and rugby union stalwart is expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the 2014 Super Rugby season with a bicep injury suffered while attempting to make a tackle in the Highlanders win over the Bulls in Dunedin on Friday night.

The 39-year-old will have surgery in the next few days which could mean his days at the Highlanders - and his professional career - could be over.

In an interview with The Southland Times last month, Thorn indicated he wanted to play another season next year in either New Zealand or Europe if everything went to plan.

"It's a ridiculous age, 39, to still be playing footy, I know, [but] I feel pretty good, I still feel like I can mix it and I'll just see how it goes," he said at the time.

"I turn 40 in February and that's been my goal, to play top level at 40 and then I'm out, I'm finished. That will either be here or in Europe, I'd suggest.

"It's a great challenge, but it may not happen.

"If I feel like I've had enough at the end of this year, then I'll call it a day this year, but that's where I'm heading."

It's questionable whether Thorn can come back from the latest setback and he has also been in and out of the Highlanders team through the opening rounds on form.

Highlanders boss Roger Clark said yesterday that he had not spoken to Thorn on the chances of him playing next year.

He said he had been told Thorn was extremely gutted by the prospect of missing the rest of the season.

A possible replacement had not been discussed, Clark said.

RUGBY LEAGUE NRL Brisbane Broncos – 200 games State of Origin Queensland – 14 games International rugby league Australia – 12 games RUGBY Super Rugby Crusaders – 92 games Highlanders - 21 games NPC Canterbury – 30 games Tasman – 1 Europe rugby Leinster – 8 games International rugby New Zealand – 60 games

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...-Thorns-career

[Tonkar]

Retire Now or when ever his career has been a long one... Between 2 codes he has played at the top without many injuries to complete so many games.. Well Done Brad

[SNOB]

A bloody legend! One very tough hombre. Must say I will miss him.

[Kept One]

Always a tough competitor, shame about the injury.

[bunter]

Poor ol' Brad, always plays his rugby hard but plenty of wry smiles during the game. He's been a great athlete and competitor the whole way through his playing career in both codes.

[shasta]

I'd love to see him reach his one final goal. I clearly remember him first appearing for the Bronx. Almost immediately he was one of the best back row ball carriers I've ever seen. Right up there with the likes of Paul Sironen, Bobby McCarthy and Co. Three or so code swaps later and he's a legendary performer on both sides. What a player.

[hertryk]

Wish him well, great player and athlete...

[alton]

"This is a decision I have made after much discussion with my family. It has not been an easy decision, but we feel the time is right for me to step aside after this season," Hammett said in a statement.



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[westie man]

"This is a decision I have made after much discussion with my family. It has not been an easy decision, but we feel the time is right for me to step aside after this season," Hammett said in a statement.

Pretty certain Hammett is coaching Cardiff