Brad Thorn and coaching team ink Reds extensions
The Reds have announced that head coach Brad Thorn has re-signed with the Super Rugby team, inking a new one-year contract with the side.
After guiding the Reds to their first Grand Final in nine years, ex All Black Thorn is rewarded with an extension and will stay at Ballymore through 2021.
Under Thorn in 2020, the team won their most amount of games since 2013 and remained unbeaten at home throughout the Super Rugby AU campaign.
In addition to his new contract, Thorn’s support staff has also recommitted with assistant coaches Jim McKay (attack) and Michael Todd (defence), Damian Marsh (Athletic Performance Manager), Gina Nelson (Team Physiotherapist) and Thomas Barker (Team Manager) all signing up for next season.
Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) CEO David Hanham said: “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.
Invest in quality
“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.
“We want sustained long-term success, achieving finals footy year-on-year. You’ve got to build a strong foundation and that’s what Brad and the team has done.
“Brad has nurtured a group of players through those moments over the last five years ensuring the players have the care and humility to take our team to the next level,” said Hanham.
Reds head coach Thorn said: “I’m honoured to be staying on with the club.
“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.”