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http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...-Reds-for-2015
The Queensland Reds have secured an important boost to their forward pack by signing former All Blacks back-rower Adam Thomson for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Capped 29 times for New Zealand, the rangy Thompson was a member of the All Blacks 2011 World Cup-winning squad before moving to play in Japan for the past two seasons.
The 32-year-old veteran of seven Super Rugby seasons with the Highlanders is currently leading the try-scoring in the Japanese Top League while playing for Canon Eagles.
Reds coach Richard Graham said Thomson would provide experience to the pack and leadership for the young back-rowers in the squad, including up-and-comers Curtis Browning and Lolo Fakaosilea.
At 196cm and 112kg, he is capable of playing all three back-row positions.
''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.''
''Adam rounds out a highly competitive back row and he brings an outstanding skill set to the way that we want to play the game.
Along with Jake (Schatz) I believe Adam is one of the best aerial forwards in the modern game.''
Thomson isn't the first All Blacks loose forward to feature for the Reds in Super Rugby. Daniel Braid played 19 games for Queensland in the 2009 and 20010 season between lengthy spells with the Blues.
How the Farc can they afford all of these high profile players?