Thorn excited ahead of three months with Leinster

New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn admitted he is eager to get involved with Leinster as they continue their quest for Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12 glory.

The reigning European champions signed the experienced lock from Japanese outfit Fukuoka Sanix Blues to address their lack of cover in the second row after Leo Cullen was ruled out through injury and Steve Sykes returned to South Africa.

Thorn enters the Leinster setup at a crucial juncture in the season with the province gearing up for a Heineken Cup quarter final against Cardiff Blues and on course to book their place in the knockout stages of the PRO12.

Having enjoyed successful visits to Ireland for the All Blacks, Thorn hopes to celebrate more victories on Irish soil in the blue of Leinster.

"I'm pretty excited to be here having been to Dublin a few times with the All Blacks," Thorn told www.leinsterrugby.ie.

"This is an exciting time, Leinster are a great club who play some good rugby. They've been very successful in recent years.

"It's a challenge to come here, perform well and honour the jersey and the fans and try my best.

"I had a good time in Japan but I'm really happy about this little adventure for the next couple of months."

After finally capturing the World Cup with a 7-8 triumph over France in the final in Eden Park, 37-year old Thorn announced his international retirement.

Despite having achieved so much in his career – including over 200 appearances for Rugby League outfit Brisbane Broncos, a Super 14 title, three Tri Nations’ and a World Cup – Thorn was hungry for more and now wants to contribute to a successful season for Joe Schmidt’s side.

"The World Cup seems like a long time ago, it was massive for me, a real a career moment," he added.

"But the Monday afterwards I went home, packed up my house and by the following Monday I was in Japan and started the next weekend, I haven't stopped at all.

"But the fans here have a great reputation, there will be great atmospheres and hopefully, if selected, I can be amongst it."