Adam Thomson returns to Otago after seven-year absence

Former All Blacks loose forward Adam Thomson returned to New Zealand provincial rugby for the first time in seven years after joining the Otago squad on a training basis.

Rumours had been circulating of a potential comeback to the Mitre 10 Cup for a couple of weeks after Thomson played club rugby for Takapuna in the North Harbour premier competition.

A report from Stuff three weeks ago in the wake of his appearance at Onewa Domain stated that it understood that the 37-year-old was expected to sign a deal with North Harbour, but a report released by the Otago Daily Times just over a week ago revealed that Otago were in talks with bringing their former star man back to the province he has played 54 times for.

It now appears Otago have won the race for Thomson's services, as the 29-test World Cup-winner has linked up with his former side to train with them less than a fortnight out from their season-opener against Bay of Plenty on August 11.