Brad Thorn has always been a “big dreamer” but even he was struggling to grasp the enormity of his sporting career following Leinster’s European Cup triumph.
The big man added the latest honour to his remarkable resume in Leinster’s 42-14 thrashing of Irish rivals Ulster in front of almost 82,000 spectators at Twickenham.
The 37-year-old became the first player to win a World Cup, Super Rugby title and a European Cup.
He also became the oldest player to win the European Cup.
But then again, he has been the first to do a lot of things.
“It was a real privilege to be part of that,” Thorn said.
“To be a European champion as well as winning the (2011) World Cup is incredible.
“I would have just been happy with all my NRL stuff and do some cool stuff over there.
“But I have always been a big dreamer.
“Years ago I never dreamed that what happened in my NRL career would happen.
“Now I just don’t believe it again in union. To do and win all I have is amazing.”
Thorn was only signed up on a short-term contract by Leinster in March because of an injury crisis.
Like most of his career, he came out a winner as Leinster collected the cup for a third time in four seasons.
Not that the former Brisbane Broncos and Crusaders star was ready to start discussing his retirement plans.
“Most of all I love the camaraderie,” he said.
“As a six-year-old I used to get nervous before a game playing with my mates. Now, as a 37-year-old I still get nervous before a game with my mates. It’s so special.
“It’s not so much about what’s going to happen next. It’s just about enjoying today and only the Lord knows what will happen in the future. We shall see how it works out.
“Physically I have always been lucky. I feel pretty good. Mentally, that is the last thing I am thinking about!”
He has the chance to add another title next weekend.
Leinster will meet Ospreys in the final of the PRO12 competition in Dublin on Sunday.
“So I have to keep a little bit of an edge,” Thorn said.
Jerry
Guest
Of course there is, but he's still a RWC winner.
Frederico
Guest
There is a big difference between being a squad member and playing in a final.
Jerry
Guest
Still gets a medal though - everyone in the squad is a RWC winner. Poor research on the journo's part, really.
Frederico
Guest
Rod Kafer was not in the side for the final nor on the bench...Danny Herbert was with Horan, and Little came on as a sub
Nick_KIA
Guest
YOu are correct. I guess Kafer didn't play the final but that'd be splitting hairs.
Derm
Roar Guru
Probably another Rod Kafer? Or probably he was the first?
Geoff Brisbane now California
Guest
probably ph
Derm
Roar Guru
"The 37-year-old became the first player to win a World Cup, Super Rugby title and a European Cup." Is this actually true? I've seen all across the New Zealand media. I know I'm only a lowly northern hemisphere fan, but I thought Australia's Rod Kafer had this distinction. He won a world cup medal in 1999 in Wales. He then won the Super 12 with the Brumbies in 2001? and then went to Leicester to win the Heineken Cup in 2002?. Or am I confusing him with another Rod Kafer?
Johnno
Guest
Big bad Brad keeps on winning good one son.
Todd Slater
Guest
I agree with WQ and would only add that he is an inspiration to all forwards of both rugby codes & a great example to anyone wanting to play either code.
WQ
Guest
What more can be said about Brad Thorn. He is an amazing athlete. There are very few people born with the combination of size, athleticism and mental strength that Brad Thorn possesses. He is the ultimate Rugby warrior and has to be clearly the most successful convert between the codes in the history of the two games.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Riccardo next week he is in the Pro12 final, which would be yet another trophy to add even to this.
Riccardo
Guest
Justin Marshall's column in Stuff over here refers to a story he heard about an Irish test loosie for Leinster with a reputation among his team-mates for being way too opinionated, especially during training. The story goes that Brad Thorn had been there for only two weeks when at training one night the loosie started having too much to say again. Thorn apparently withdrew that gnarled head of his from out of a scrum and in that gravelly voice nobody can imitate: "Save the energy for the scrum mate. I can't even feel any weight from you. Less talk, more pushing mate!" The man is a dead-set legend and deserves every plaudit that comes his way. Well done Leinster too. If Schmidt really harbours ambitions to lead the All Black coaching team I really hope he starts that journey at the Blues because they really, really need him back, the sooner the better.
katzilla
Roar Guru
Tune in next week to see Brad Thorn ride a skateboard across the Atlantic.