Rugby: Gap opens as Bekhuis, Thorn find fresh fields

Josh Bekhuis
Josh Bekhuis
The Highlanders are on the hunt for some fresh locking talent after the departures of Josh Bekhuis and Brad Thorn.

The franchise announced yesterday both Bekhuis and Thorn were leaving and the door had opened for young second-row talent in the South.

The likes of Otago's Joe Latta and Jackson Hemopo and Southland's Michael Fatialofa will have plenty of motivation to perform in the next nine weeks with locking berths up for grabs at the Highlanders.

Bekhuis has signed a two-year deal with the Blues, and Thorn has signed a contract with an overseas club.

Bekhuis fell down the pecking order at the Highlanders last season, with Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata and Tom Franklin preferred.

The 28-year-old has played 82 times for the Highlanders since he made his debut in 2009.

Brad Thorn
Brad Thorn
He played 53 games in a row for the side after his debut, finally missing a game against the Bulls in May 2012.

This season, Bekhuis played 11 games, although only two of those were starts.

One of those starts, against the Lions, ended badly when he was forced off with knee and ankle damage and it took him more than a month to get back on the field.

When he came on the scene many tipped him to go all the way to the national side, but although he always put in a good effort, he was passed by for younger talent such as Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick.

A good lineout forward, he always did plenty of work around the field. He has played 94 games for Southland.

He goes to the Blues to replace another former Highlander, Tom Donnelly, who has moved to Montpellier, in France.

Thorn has had two years with the Highlanders, although this year was badly disrupted by injury.

He popped a rib in the first game and then badly damaged his arm playing against the Bulls in April, which ruined his season.

The dual international was keen to continue playing - he turns 40 in February - but the Highlanders have decided to look at younger options.

His loss is a blow to New Zealand rugby, for his knowledge and expertise are irreplaceable.

Thorn was also assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Highlanders last year and was credited by many of the side's forwards for the work he did in the pre-season.

The Highlanders have signed Wheeler and Franklin for next season and are believed to have signed Hurricanes lock Mark Reddish, although that is yet to be confirmed.

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