Brad Thorn reckons he could play Super Rugby at 41 next year

Brad Lindsay Thorn simply lives on rugby.

Last week, Richie McCaw retired from rugby at the age of 34. Next year, his former All Blacks teammate could be lining out in Super Rugby at the age of 41. It is four years since Thorn won a World Cup with New Zealand and, soon after, decided to do some travelling for his rugby. He headed to Japan for a season before signing a short-term deal with Leinster, in 2012, and helping them to the 2012 Heineken Cup. Following on from that, he played a Super Rugby season for the Highlanders and joined Leicester Tigers for another year. In the midst of that Tigers season, Thorn turned 40. He is now coaching at Queensland Reds but has confessed he would like another hit-out, or 10, if the opportunity arises in 2016. Thorn told reporters, "There's always an urge. I didn't actually retire – I'm just playing less now. "If things [with Queensland] were like dire straits, I'm happy to help out any way I can but I think things are under control at the moment." To quote Sydney Morning Herald's Phil Lutton - Bran Thorn doesn't retire, like normal mortals. He simply takes a break.