Former All Black Thomson,37, returns to rugby a year after spinal infection

Former All Black flanker Adam Thomson is making his return to rugby after overcoming the serious spinal infection that kept him in a Japanese hospital for two months in 2018.

The 37-year-old has signed a deal with US Major League Rugby side the Utah Warriors for the remainder of the 2019 season with his deal also including the 2020 season.

The signing was confirmed at halftime during Utah's 35-17 win over Austin Elite Rugby on the weekend with Fijian Olympic Games sevens gold medallist Vatemo Ravouvou also confirmed to join the club.

Thomson's return to rugby comes after he spent 2018 getting his health back on track following his admission to hospital in December 2017 for lumbar discitis, a painful infection of the spine.

Thomson played 29 Tests for the All Blacks from 2010 to 2012, winning the World Cup in 2011 in that time and also made 100 Super Rugby appearances playing for the Highlanders, Reds and Rebels.

 

 

 

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I've loved having the last year off to rest, recover, and explore other opportunities, but I've always had one thing in the back of my mind - to return to the rugby field. I think it's about time. Announcement soon. Watch this space. 💪🏻🏉 #roadtorecovery #bebacksoon

A post shared by Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) on Apr 21, 2019 at 2:55am PDT