Leicester Tigers lock Brad Thorn has confirmed that he will retire from playing professional rugby at the end of the season.
The 40-year-old former New Zealand international, who joined the Tigers at the start of the campaign, was part of the All Blacks side that won the Rugby World Cup back in 2011.
The veteran started his career in rugby league 20 years ago before switching to union in 2001.
"My goal was to play top-level rugby at 40 and to play well, and I've done that" he told BBC Sport. "I've been part of all these teams and it's been awesome, but I just think maybe I should do something else.
"I had a few niggles, but otherwise I've been really pleased with how I've played here and my body feels really good. But it's just got to a stage where mainly I'm just playing here because I want to play."
Thorn became the oldest captain in Leicester's history earlier this season when he skippered the team against Worcester Warriors.
