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"The Grand Final of Grand Finals": Brad Thorn reflects on career, new book 'Champions Do Extra'

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 3:28pm
Brad Thorn of the All Blacks cries after an 8-7 victory in the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park on October 23, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Brad Thorn of the All Blacks cries after an 8-7 victory in the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park on October 23, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

"The Grand Final of Grand Finals": Brad Thorn reflects on career, new book 'Champions Do Extra'

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 31 Jan 2026, 3:28pm

One of the most enduring two-code careers in Australasian sport belongs to Brad Thorn. 

An All Black, Crusader, Highlander, Bronco, Queenslander, and Kangaroo, Thorn has nearly done it all over the span of his 40 year career. 

‘Champions Do Extra’, is Thorn’s memoir, and it delves into his legendary rugby career and the lessons he’s learnt along the way.  

He began working on it after he finished up with the Reds. 

“I thought, if I’m going to write something, surely I’ve learned something over the last 30 years, y’know, now is the time.” 

He was a part of three champion Brisbane Broncos sides and a World Cup winning All Blacks side – an achievement he maintains is the greatest of his career. 

“The Grand Final of Grand Finals,” he told Piney. 

“Everything was on the line.” 

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