Christchurch - Former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne has been recalled to the Crusaders for the team's next three Super Rugby matches after a series of injuries.
The 36-year-old Thorne, who holds the club's appearance record with 129 matches in the competition, last played Super rugby in 2008. He played for two years for Yamaha in Japan and this season has been playing at amateur level in Christchurch.
Coach Todd Blackadder called his former team-mate into the Crusaders squad on Sunday after injuries to All Blacks locks Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock and backrower Keiran Read.
The Crusaders play the Western Force in Perth on Saturday before traveling to South Africa for matches against the Stormers and Cheetahs.
The 36-year-old Thorne, who holds the club's appearance record with 129 matches in the competition, last played Super rugby in 2008. He played for two years for Yamaha in Japan and this season has been playing at amateur level in Christchurch.
Coach Todd Blackadder called his former team-mate into the Crusaders squad on Sunday after injuries to All Blacks locks Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock and backrower Keiran Read.
The Crusaders play the Western Force in Perth on Saturday before traveling to South Africa for matches against the Stormers and Cheetahs.