Rugby league convert Brad Thorn has stunned New Zealand by pulling out of the All Blacks squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and Scotland.
New Zealand arrive in Ireland on Wednesday and play their first match, against Ireland A, in Belfast on November 13th. The visitors tackle Ireland at Lansdowne on the 17th.
However, the Canterbury lock, who has just completed his first domestic season of rugby union after quitting the Brisbane Broncos, has withdrawn from the trip amid doubts over his long-term future in the code.
Thorn felt uncomfortable with the prospect of joining the All Blacks party because he could not promise he would be still be playing the 15-man game next year.
"On that basis Brad felt it would be wrong to tour with the All Blacks," explained manager Andrew Martin.
"Brad says it has long been a dream of his to play for the All Blacks and that was the reason he came back to New Zealand from rugby league in Australia.
"His actions in declining a place in the tour squad show just how much he values the All Blacks jersey and he deserves credit for making what must have been a tough decision."
Thorn has been replaced in the tour party by Wellington lock Dion Waller, who was briefly called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover during last year's tour of France.