Former Highlanders and All Black loose forward Adam Thomson is expected back in New Zealand later this week after a tough start to the year.
Thomson, who turns 36 next month, has spent the best part of the past two months laid up in hospital in Japan after contracting a spinal infection.
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Thomson was admitted to Tsukuba Memorial Hospital in Tokyo on December 19 with an illness that left him unable to walk for days and initially had doctors baffled.
Thomson, who played for the All Blacks in the 2011 World Cup, made 68 appearances for the Highlanders from 2008 to 2012 and was one of the best players for the franchise in those years.
He also played 29 tests for the All Blacks and has played for the New Zealand sevens side.
He left to play in Japan in 2013 although he came back and played for the Reds and Rebels in Super Rugby.He had signed for the NEC Rockets side in Japan for this season but that ended when he fell ill.
After the doctors discovered he had a spinal infection, it was a long gradual haul for Thomson to get back to good health and leave hospital. He lost a lot of weight and physical fitness.
After 57 days in hospital he was released last week and, after one week in Japan, is expected back in the country by the end of the week.
In a message on social media, Thomson thanked all those who had been involved in his long spell in hospital, from those who had come and visited, to those who had simply got in contact and wished him well.
Thomson is expected to spend some time in Ashburton with family and friends when he arrives in the country. Thomson is originally from Mid Canterbury.
It is unclear whether he will return to the rugby field.