Brad Thorn has extended his stay with the Reds, re-signing as head coach until the end of 2023
The championship-winning coach will remain with Queensland for at least the next two seasons after guiding the Reds to their first Super Rugby title in 10 years.
Thorn’s support staff have also re-signed, with assistant coaches Jim McKay (Attack), Michael Todd (Defence) and Cameron Lillicrap (Set Piece and Skills) all committing through 2023 as well.
“I’m honoured to be staying with the club for another two seasons,” Thorn said.
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“It’s great to have Michael Todd, Jim McKay and Cameron Lillicrap on board as well. We’ve got great staff here. As a head coach you need good people around you.
“We got some good pay this year for the hard work put in. It was an important achievement for the team, and our Queensland supporters to win the AU title.
“However, the New Zealand sides showed us there is still some way to go, and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
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The extension will see Thorn into his sixth season in the top role to become the longest serving head coach at the Reds in more than two decades and equal-fourth longest in Queensland coaching history.
QRU CEO David Hanham said: “We’re pleased to have Brad, Jim, Michael and Cameron all re-commit to the Reds through 2023.
“Six years ago we made a commitment to invest in quality coaching to develop our players and build a deeper connection to Queensland and that’s what Brad and the team has done.
“Super Rugby AU produced great results on and off the field in 2021. We want to sustain this success long-term and with all four of these men on board for another two seasons we believe we can achieve that.”