Get Newsletter

Reds undergo coaching overhaul

NEWS: Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has followed through on his touted coaching clean-out, replacing all of former mentor Brad Thorn’s assistants ahead of his first Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kiss has brought on former London Irish colleagues Brad Davis and Jonathan Fisher as well as Tonga assistant Zane Hilton.

He has also expanded the role of Reds Academy coach Dale Roberson.

They replace long-time attack coach Jim McKay – he served for nine years in two separate stints – as well as Phil Blake, Mick Heenan and Kane Hames who were brought in last season to assist in the final year of Thorn’s contract.

Kiss said Fisher was “one of the best coaching talents in English rugby while former rugby league player Davis has enjoyed a similar path to rugby union coaching as former Queensland State of Origin winger Kiss.

Hilton, currently assisting Toutai Kefu at the World Cup, is a former Reds development officer with extensive international experience, most recently in Japan.

“It’s an integrated coaching group. All four bring great experience in their roles and while each has a technical lead, they will also work across different disciplines which will accelerate the process,” Kiss said on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’d like to acknowledge Jim McKay, Phil Blake, Mick Heenan and Kane Hames for their service to Queensland Rugby.

“All have left the Reds in a better place and will leave a lasting impact on our squad into the future.”

Kiss has recruited former All Blacks Alex Hodgman and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen to bolster a forward pack that will be missing Melbourne Rebels-bound Taniela Tupuo next season.

The Reds will host the Wild Knights at a capped pre-season fixture at the redeveloped Ballymore on November 9.

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 35 | Six Nations Round 2 Review

O2 Inside Line: This Rose | Episode 3 | France Week

Second round of the Men's Six Nations | Whistle Watch

Harlequins vs Bristol Bears | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Saitama Wildknights | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

The Dupont Ploy: How France went from underdogs to Olympic gods | The Report

Former rugby player is truly an NFL superstar | Walk the Talk | Jordan Mailata

Write A Comment