FOR THE LAST few years it looked like Brad Thorn and Nathan Hines were having a competition about who could age more gracefully. The two teak-tough second rows were both known for their longevity as well as their skills but the New Zealander pipped the man from Wagga Wagga by a single year in terms of retirement age.
The 39-year-old Hines stepped away from rugby this afternoon after Sale’s loss to Exeter in the Aviva Premiership and he leaves behind a great legacy.
Irish fans will best remember him from his two-year stint with Leinster where he formed a strong second row partnership with Leo Cullen. While Leo was more of a traditional lock, Hines’ handling was sublime and he offloaded in contact with an ease usually reserved for back rows or centres. He also scored contributed Leinster’s only points in the 2011 Heineken Cup final that weren’t scored by Johnny Sexton.
Hines then enjoyed three stellar seasons with Clermont before his swansong with Sale this year. Hines was also one of rugby’s biggest chancers when it came to skirting the laws… just ask these three Ulster forwards.
He probably isn’t as much of a cult hero as Brad Thorn is… but he is pretty damn close.
