2007 RWC All Black: Reuben Thorne
Reuben Thorne was born in Christchurch on the 2nd of January 1975. He began his professional rugby career in 1997 and made it into the All Blacks in 1999. His test debut was against South Africa in Pretoria. He has played in 48 tests and scored a total of 25 test points. Thorne is described as an expert line out jumper and often referred to as the "clean-up" man working in close quarters and making tackle after tackle.
What is your favourite holiday spot in New Zealand?
My favourite holiday spot is Kaiteriteri, at the top of the South Island. It’s just a beautiful beach, golden sand, nice water and there’s great fishing. Also there are lots of places to go walking through the bush. It’s just a very peaceful, beautiful part of the country.
What do you do in your spare time?
My family and I like to go camping up around the Abel Tasman National Park or go tramping through the bush. We get out on our friend’s boat if we can, it’s a great place.
How would you describe New Zealand to people overseas?
I think it’s a friendly place, safe and there’s a lot to do. There are some beautiful parts of the country with something for everybody. Skiing, if you’re into that, there’s fishing, tramping, all sorts of things. There’s also a lot of sport to watch, the people are great, and it’s a lot of fun. The other great thing about New Zealand is that we’re not overcrowded. You can get fun in the big cities but it’s easy to get away. A short drive and you’re out in the country, in the peace and quiet, where it is beautiful and green.
Why do you think New Zealand produces such good rugby players?
I think we have great rugby players because we grow up with it. It’s part of our culture and part of our history. As soon as you can pick up a ball, you start playing rugby and when you grow up with something like that, you get used to the game. For me, all my friends played. I played at school and as soon as I was big enough to get out on the rugby field I tried it and just loved it. I love the camaraderie and friendship and all the things that go with being part of a team.
What does the haka mean to you?
For me it’s the last part of my preparation. It’s about respecting our history and heritage because the haka has always been part of that. It’s part of our Maori culture and we respect that very much.
What’s your favourite New Zealand food?
I really love the seafood in New Zealand, from Bluff oysters to scallops and crayfish. I think it’s amongst the best in the world and we’re very lucky that we’ve got it on our doorstep.
Is there one special place in New Zealand you would take your wife on holiday?
There’s a little place in a town called Akaroa, just out of Christchurch. Akaroa is like a little French seaside village; it’s beautiful and quite romantic. The place I love is called Tree Crop Farm. It has little rustic villas and it’s just beautiful, peaceful, quiet and secluded.
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