Reds reel in an All Black
World Cup-winning All Black back row forward Adam Thomson has become the latest high-profile signing by the Reds.
The franchise from Queensland on the Australian East Coast has gone on a major recruitment drive ahead of the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Capped 29 times for New Zealand, Thomson was a member of the All Black squad that won the 2011 World Cup, 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 row forwards, including up-and-coming players like 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.
"His signing is another indication of the quality of player and person we want to bring to the Reds," Graham added.
"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.
"Whilst Adam will have a role as mentor to some of the younger players, his priority is to be the best player he can.
"He understands the greatest influence he can have on the group is through his performances and I can assure you he is excited by that challenge."
Thomson made his All Blacks debut in 2008 and scored six tries for New Zealand.
He made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 for the Highlanders and went on to play 68 games for the franchise, scoring 21 tries.
At 196cm and 112kg and capable of playing all three back row positions, Thomson will add further experience and class to the Reds' squad.
Thomson will join the Reds at the conclusion of the Japanese Top League season.
He becomes the 28th member of their 30-man full contract group, leaving two spots remaining in the 2015 squad.
Other new signings include Rugby League convert Karmichael Hunt, Wallaby James O'Connor, Lalo Fakaosilea, Hendrik Tui, Duncan Paia-aua, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani and Lalo Fakaosilea.
Reds squad: Ben Daley, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Andrew Ready, Dave McDuling, Ed O'Donoghue, Rob Simmons, James Horwill, Curtis Browning, Lalo Fakaosilea, Liam Gill, Eddie Quirk, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, Adam Thomson, Hendrik Tui, Quade Cooper, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Duncan Paia-aua, Anthony Fainga'a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Ben Tapuai, Karmichael Hunt, Chris Kuridrani, James O'Connor, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, Lachie Turner.
