Last week, the Malta Rugby Football Union had 2011 World Cup winner Brad Thorn as distinguished guest at their headquarters in Marsa. The former All Blacks lock met with the national team selectors and players. He also spoke about his future plans and the World Cup with Valhmor Camilleri…

It is not common for local rugby players to share a few moments with someone of the calibre of Brad Thorn. So, it was no surprise to see a full-house at the MRFU last week for this rare meeting with a rugby legend.

Few might be aware that Thorn has close connections with Malta as his in-laws are Maltese. They moved to Australia just after World War Two.

“Malta is a special place for our family,” the 40-year-old told The Sunday Times of Malta.

“This is our second visit here. In 2012, my wife wanted to come here and we really enjoyed our time touring the islands.

“This year we are living in England so we decided to come back for a couple of weeks. I made some rugby friends in Malta and when I was invited to come and have a chat with the rugby boys I didn’t think twice.”

Thorn brought the curtains down on his rugby career following Leicester Tigers’ defeat to Bath in the Aviva Premiership semi-finals last May.

That ended a 26-year journey that put Thorn among the greatest to have played on a rugby pitch in the last two decades.

Born in Otago, New Zealand, Thorn moved to Australia where he started playing Rugby League.

He signed for Brisbane Broncos and won three national titles, one Super League and a World Club Championship in two separate stints.

But Thorn achieved far bigger success in the 15-man code.

At club level he won a Super 14 title with Crusaders and the Heineken Cup, aka rugby’s European Cup, with Leinster.

He reached the pinnacle with the All Blacks when he won the 2011 World Cup on home turf besides lifting the Bledisloe Cup five times and a hat-trick of Tri-Nations titles.

“I don’t think that there are many players who can say that they represented Australia and New Zealand throughout their career,” a smiling Thorn said.

“My family moved to Australia when I was very young and at that time all boys played Rugby League. I loved the game and joined the Broncos where I won three national titles and I played in the State of Origin series which made me eligible to play for Australia.

“But when I was 25 I decided to go back to New Zealand and join Rugby Union. In New Zealand the only thing you do is play rugby and it’s everyone’s wish to form part of the All Blacks... I was lucky enough to achieve this dream.”

The All Blacks have been the undisputed top team in the world for several years now.

Asked what makes them such a formidable force, Thorn said: “I think that in New Zealand we have a great mix of great athletes.

“We have players of Maori and Samoan descent, dynamic and strong, explosive athletes, and others of European tradition – all very powerful and with great kicking techniques.

“That combination makes the All Blacks a complete outfit and very hard to beat.”

Memorable final

The 2011 World Cup sparks Thorn’s passion for the sport.

“That tournament was the highlight of my rugby career,” Thorn said.

“We had not won the World Cup for 24 years and with the finals being played in our country the pressure was unbearable. The final against France was the biggest match I’ve ever been involved in. Throughout the years I played in several tournaments and finals but that was the biggest of all.

“It was a very tight affair and we were all relieved in the end to have managed to beat France,” he said, referring to New Zealand’s 8-7 victory at Eden Park.

This year, the All Blacks will defend their title in England.

“I think there a few other contenders this time around,” Thorn explained.

“The Springboks and Australia are always tough to beat and England will be a major threat as they are playing at home.

“But if I had to choose one team that could give the tournament favourites a hard time it would be Ireland.

“They have won back-to-back Six Nations titles and the team is managed by a great coach, Joe Schmidt. He’s from New Zealand and I think Ireland will be the team to watch in the World Cup this year.”

Rugby is a selfless game… you are part of a team and everything you do is not for yourself but for your team-mates- Brad Thorn

Looking back, Thorn reckons he has very few regrets and if he had the chance to go back he would again opt for professional rugby.

“Rugby is a selfless game,” Thorn said.

“You are part of a team and everything you do is not for yourself but for your team-mates. Each member of the team works hard for each other. There’s a common goal and that also helps you to become a better person.

“I would recommend rugby to all young people as it teaches them some important values such as loyalty and friendship.”

Now that his playing days are over Thorn revealed that he is planning to go into coaching.

“I have already reached an agreement with Queensland Reds to train their senior players for the next three years,” he said.

“I feel that I have a lot more to offer and I also want to help young players maximise their potential and reach their goals.”