Thomson playing a waiting game
All Black flank Adam Thomson is not about to rush into a decision regarding his playing future.
Thomson has been linked to a move to Japan, with speculation intensifying further when his name was missing from next year's Highlanders squad.
He's not rushing a decision.
"Still working on it, obviously," he told a media briefing in Edinburgh – where New Zealand are preparing to face Scotland in a Test on Sunday.
"I've got this pretty big task in front of me at the moment, which is playing for the All Blacks and finish off the year, which we've done so well so far so that's sort of the main focus, and then I've got a bit of time to go home and sort out next year."
Thomson says his management are working through things and he says staying in New Zealand is one of the options available to him.
* Meanwhile the Waikato Rugby Union re-appointed Chris Gibbes as head coach of the Waikato NPC team for a further two years.
Gibbes has enjoyed a successful tenure so far since taking over as head coach in 2009, leading the province to two national provincial finals and recently picking up the Ranfurly Shield in Waikato’s first shield challenge since 2007.
Outside of his Waikato role Gibbes has extended his coaching experience in different environments, including a six-month stint in 2011 with the Georgia national team. He has also recently been appointed as an assistant coach for the 2013 New Zealand Under-20 team.
Waikato Rugby Union Chief Executive Graham Bowen said he was thrilled to have secured the services of Gibbes for the next two seasons.
"Chris is a passionate Waikato man who epitomises the traditions of Waikato Rugby," Bowen said.
"He continues to go from strength to strength as a coach and is currently doing a great job with a young Waikato side after several personnel losses in recent years. We look forward to watching his continued progress with this group.”
Gibbes said he is delighted to be able to continue with the Waikato Rugby Union.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my first four seasons as coach of Waikato. It is my home province so naturally I have a lot of passion for the job, but also it has been a pleasure to work within such a well-respected organisation.”
He is also looking forward to carrying on his work with the young talent coming through the Waikato system, as well as assisting club coaches during the club season.
"2012 was a rebuilding season of sorts after losing a lot of experience. Our young group of players, many having their first taste of rugby at this level, showed some positive signs and I am excited to be able to work with them again as we reap the benefits of the experience they gained in this year’s NPC.”
