All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson soaks up the atmosphere of
Scotland's capital yesterday. Photo by Getty.
Adam Thomson continues to gather options about his future
but remains uncertain about his plans for 2013.
The All Black utility loose forward is in the curious
position of not knowing what he will be doing after this
tour.
He comes off contract at the end of the year and has not been
named in any Super Rugby side yet, strangely, he is in no
rush to commit to anything and says that whatever he ends up
doing, he does not believe this tour will close the door on
his international career.
"I have a couple of options, which is nice, and I am just
going to take my time and chew over the information, Thomson
said.
"I have a pretty big task ahead of me with the All Blacks and
that is the main focus for now.
"I love being an All Black and there is nothing greater in
world rugby than being an All Black so it is still a massive
drive. There are a lot of things that need to be calculated
so I need to make sure I have got all the information."
He is not divulging much detail about what his offshore
options are. The Japanese market had shown interest but the
season there is short and well into business.
Having started an All Black test in the last 15 months, he
qualifies for a work visa to play in Europe and there have
been murmurings that an English club is interested. But nor
has he ruled out the prospect of squeezing into Super Rugby.
The Highlanders have named only 31 players and they have the
capacity to contract 32.
"There can be [a place for him in the Highlanders]," he says.
"There are options - New Zealand is certainly not a
closed-off option. There are pros and cons to both scenarios
[playing offshore or staying in New Zealand]. New Zealand
rugby is exciting and fast-paced and it does take a toll on
the body.
There are other options that may preserve your career and
give you a bit of a freshen-up and they are financial
opportunities as well."
Thomson says he is no hurry to make up his mind and is not
being distracted by the lack of certainty. Having barely been
used by the All Blacks all season, he is determined to make
the most of any game time he does get to push for a starting
berth in the final two tests.
- Gregor Paul
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