Blade Thomson

Former Māori All Black Blade Thomson named in Scotland's Rugby World Cup squad

Forwards Josh Strauss, Matt Fagerson and Magnus Bradbury all missed out but NZ-born Thomson was selected due to his ability to slot into the second row if necessary.

Thomson, who made six appearances for the Māori All Blacks between 2013 and 2015, left the Hurricanes in 2018 to play for Welsh club Scarlets in the Pro14 competition.

Hurricanes lose forward to Wales

27 year old Thomson, has been part of the Hurricanes club since 2013, making 40 appearances. That number would have been significantly higher had he not suffered two serious shoulder injuries in recent seasons.

Equally adept at No 8 or lock, the former New Zealand Under-20 world champion and Maori All Black said he was determined to help the Hurricanes fulfil their potential and win another Investec Super Rugby title before he headed to the Welsh club.

"My focus is fully on finishing the current season on a high with the Hurricanes and hopefully lifting some silverware.