The Reds have signed World Cup-winning lock Adam Thomson for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Thomson, who previously represented the Highlanders, returns to Super Rugby following a two-year stint in Japan with the Canon Eagles. He is one of three marquee signings for the Brisbane-based team, after they secured the signatures of Wallabies and Toulon utility back James O'Connor, and Karmichael Hunt, who currently plays Aussie rules for the Gold Coast Suns. 

'It was evident Adam is still genuinely craving the competitive nature of Super Rugby', said Reds coach Richard Graham. 'His signing is another indication of the quality of player and person we want to bring to the Reds.'

Meanwhile, the Highlanders have announced that Japan international Fumiaki Tanaka will again play for them during next year's Super Rugby campaign. 

The scrumhalf played for Otago in the 2012 and 2013 New Zealand Cup, before returning to Japan to play for Panasonic at the conclusion of the 2014 Super Rugby season. 

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images