Queensland Reds finalise 2027 coaching team

The Queensland Reds have finalised their coaching team for the 2027 season, with Peter Hewat and Craig McGrath joining Vern Cotter’s staff at Ballymore.

Queensland Reds Coaching Team Finalised

Hewat and McGrath have signed deals for 2027 and 2028, joining incoming Head CoachCotter and existing assistant coach Zane Hilton in the Reds’ new-look coaching group.

The Queensland Rugby Union said the appointments bring major experience from Super Rugby, English rugby, Japanese rugby and international-level environments. The coaching team will begin working together ahead of the Super Rugby AUS competition, which starts in September.

Peter Hewat Appointed Reds Attack Coach

Hewat will join the Reds as attack coach from Leicester Tigers. The 48-year-old previously coached at Suntory Sungoliath, the ACT Brumbies and Ricoh Black Rams, where he also served as head coach.

A former NSW Waratahs winger-fullback, Hewat said he had admired the attacking style built by Les Kiss and the current coaching team. He added that he was looking forward to building on those foundations while adding to the edge Cotter is known for.

“Coaching in Super Rugby, in Japan and in England has opened my eyes to the different ways the game can be played and made me a better coach,” Hewat said.

Craig McGrath Named Reds Defence Coach

Craig McGrath will arrive as defence coach after working with Cotter at the Blues for the past three seasons. He was part of the coaching group during the Blues’ 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title-winning campaign.

McGrath has also coached with the Melbourne Rebels, Honda Heat, Auckland and Samoa. As a player, he was a halfback in the Blues’ 2003 Super Rugby-winning squad and also represented the Maori All Blacks.