Sydney - Former All Blacks backrow forward Adam Thomson on Wednesday signed for the Reds in a boost to their pack heading into the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Capped 29 times for New Zealand, Thomson was a member of the All Blacks 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning squad before moving to Japan with the Canon Eagles.
A veteran of seven Super Rugby seasons with the Highlanders, he is currently the top try scorer in the Japanese Top League.
Reds coach Richard Graham said Thomson would provide experience to his pack and leadership for the young back-rowers, including up-and-comers Curtis Browning and Lolo Fakaosilea.
"It was evident Adam is still genuinely craving the competitive nature of Super Rugby," said Graham.
"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.
"Along with Jake (Schatz) I believe Adam is one of the best aerial forwards in the modern game," he added.