Former Leinster Star Lands Head Coach Job With Super Rugby Side
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Former Leinster and All Blacks back-row Brad Thorn has a new job.
Thorn will takeover as the Queensland Reds new head coach, after the Australian Super Rugby franchise dismissed Nick Stiles after just one year in charge.
The Reds won just four games in Stiles’ first season in charge, and clearly that was deemed to be not good enough for the former Super Rugby champions. They’ve now turned to a former All Black in Thorn, who won a Heineken cup with Leinster in 2012
“Queensland Rugby Union was disappointed with the performance of the Reds in 2017 and we believe we require a catalyst for change in culture, discipline and standards,” said QRU chief executive Richard Barker.
“Brad has a proven track record of success as both a player and a coach,”
“He is without peer when it comes to the culture and professionalism required to be successful at the highest level of our sport and he is enthusiastic about moving the Reds forward and creating a winning culture once again.”
In terms of the coaching experience mentioned, Thorn has enjoyed a rapid rise since retiring. He guided the Queensland U20s to two Super U20 Championship titles as an assistant coach in 2016 and as head coach to an undefeated season in 2017. He was also drafted in by Michael Cheika to assist the Wallabies at the Rugby Championship this year.
“I believe actions speak louder than words,” Thorn said
“I feel I’m contributing to a change in culture and standards in those teams and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this organisation and the success of the Reds.”
