Taieri premier two coach Murray Matheson said Thorn had been in Dunedin as part of the coaching staff for the Reds, which played the Highlanders on Friday night. Thorn was staying with relatives in Outram over the weekend and they had contacted Taieri as Thorn was keen to turn out for the club.
The Taieri premier one side had a bye so he played for the premier two team which took on Zingari-Richmond.
Thorn came on early in the second half and played lock for the rest of the game. Taieri was a comfortable 62-7 winner.
Thorn (42) was born in Mosgiel and played his first game of rugby for Taieri when a youngster. He then moved to Bannockburn and then Brisbane, embarking on a rugby union and league career right round the world for more than 20 years.
Matheson said Thorn spoke to both teams after the game about his love and passion for the game. He also discussed playing techniques, and met some older members of the club. He was scheduled to fly back to Brisbane yesterday afternoon.