Queensland Reds backroom staff including head coach Brad Thorn pens new deal
Brad Thorn and his support staff has signed a new one-year deal
©PA
Queensland Reds have confirmed that head coach Brad Thorn along with his assistants have inked a new one-year deal with the Super Rugby club.
Thorn took charge of the club in 2018 and had an impressive Super Rugby AU campaign where Reds reached the final and recorded most wins in season since 2013.
Along with Thorn, attack coach Jim McKay, defence coach Michael Todd, Athletic Performance Manager Damian Marsh, Team Physiotherapist Gina Nelson and Team Manager Thomas Barker have extended their stay at the club for the next season.
"I’m honoured to be staying on with the club," said Thorn.
“I’m very happy to have Jim McKay and Michael Todd by my side again, plus all our team staff for next year too.
“We’ve invested in our pathway in bringing guys through. It’s good to have a consistent squad with minimal changes for next year. They’re all mates and you’re seeing that connection out on the field.
“We’ve reconnected with the state and the Queensland Rugby community. We’ve seen a lot of growth in our game this year, but our focus remains on improving and continuing the build. We are looking forward to the challenge ahead in 2021.”
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham is delighted with the news of retaining the backroom staff after a successful season.
"We’re pleased to have Brad and several of our key staff remain at Ballymore.
“In an ideal world we would’ve liked to do a longer deal with the coaching team, but due to all of the uncertainty the coaching staff and Board have agreed that the initial extension should be for 12 months, with a review once there is certainty on the broadcast and competition structure for 2022.
“We made a decision five years ago that led to investing and rebuilding our football academy and connecting to our club and school talent pathways in Queensland. We knew Queensland had the talent, we just needed time.
“We made a commitment to invest in quality coaching to develop our players, building a deeper connection to Queensland and ensuring we delivered continual improvement across our four key pillars of development, stability, culture and connection".
