Brad Thorn will play his last match for the Crusaders tomorrow night and he believes it will the most important of his extraordinary 17 year career.

Not because it is his Super Rugby swansong or a final triumph over the Queensland Reds could deliver his team an eighth title in 16 seasons.

It is because he is representing a region which has been suffering for six months, and there is a responsibility to boost local morale in the wake of February’s Christchurch earthquake.

Thorn is as tough as they come.

In 17 seasons at the top level of both rugby codes, the former Brisbane Bronco and current All Black has never been sidelined by a serious injury.

But the ABC reports that reliving the plight of Thorn’s current home town, as well as the suffering seen in his original home during Queensland’s floods, rubbed his raw emotions yesterday.

The 36-year-old forward fought back tears as he spoke about the huge sense of pride the Crusaders feel about delivering a cherished title for the people of Canterbury.

He said the adversity and 100,000 plus kilometres of travel, brought about by the lack of a home ground, had brought the Crusaders players and coaches together closer.

The Crusaders and Reds Super 15 final kicks off at 9.40pm tomorrow.


Story by: Vijay Narayan
Source: ABC