All Blacks and Crusaders Super Rugby lock Brad Thorn will play for Japanese club Fukuoka Sanix Blues after this year's World Cup.

Thorn, 36, a key component of the All Blacks' engine room for 50 tests, has signed a two-year deal with the Japanese side which takes effect from the end of the 2011 season, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Thorn was "one of a kind, a special man and a special All Black".

"He is a tower of strength to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby and is the ultimate professional - professionalism which has been honed over 17 years of top-level football," Henry said.

"On the field he has a hard edge, both physically and mentally, and he gives his all to his team-mates. Off field, he unobtrusively ensures others are progressing well. He is an inspiration."

Thorn, whose uncompromising style has made him a favourite of the fans, first made a name for himself in rugby league with NRL side the Brisbane Broncos, before switching codes after seven seasons to play Super Rugby in New Zealand in 2001.

He was first picked for the All Blacks at the end of that year but withdrew from the team so that he could take time to decide on his sporting future.

After taking a year off from sport, he returned to the rugby field and was again selected for the All Blacks in 2003, playing 12 tests.

After a second stint in rugby league from 2005 to 2007, he returned to the All Blacks in 2008 and has been a mainstay in the second row ever since.

"On behalf of the All Blacks, I congratulate him on what he has achieved - and will continue to achieve - for Crusaders and All Blacks rugby," Henry said.

"The remarkable thing is at 36 years young he is still improving and, knowing Brad, he will continue to improve. He will go to Japan next year with our very best wishes."

Tribute was also paid by NZRU chief executive Steve Tew who said he could not speak highly enough of a man who had given so much to New Zealand rugby.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP