Reuben Thorne appointed Canterbury Forwards Coach

Former All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury forward Reuben Thorne will return to the national provincial competition in 2018, having been appointed as Forwards Coach for the Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup side.

Thorne joins Head Coach Joe Maddock and Assistant Coach Nathan Mauger at the helm of the team, who will head into the 2018 season seeking their fourth consecutive national title.

“Reuben is a natural leader," said Canterbury Head Coach Joe Maddock.

"By nature he is quiet and considered, but we know from his playing days that he always leads by example, so he is a welcome addition to the team in 2018 and I’m confident he has a lot to offer not only our players, but also our management group."

Thorne represented the red and blacks on 71 occasions between 1996-2011, including as a member of the national title winning sides in 1997, 2001, 2004 and 2011. He captained both the Crusaders and the All Blacks during his career, leading the Crusaders through their unbeaten Super Rugby season in 2002, and captaining the All Blacks to 20 wins in 23 matches.