Brad Thorn re-signs with Queensland

The Queensland Rugby Union has today announced Brad Thorn has re-signed as the St.George Queensland Reds head coach.

 
After guiding Queensland to their first Grand Final in nine years, Thorn inked a one-year contract extension that will see him remain at Ballymore through 2021.

 
In addition, Thorn's support staff has also recommitted with assistant coaches Jim McKay (Attack) and Michael Todd (Defence), Damian Marsh (Athletic Performance Manager), Gina Nelson (Head Physiotherapist) and Thomas Barker (Team Manager) all recommitting for next season. 

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,” said Thorn.

 
Thorn will enter his fourth year as Queensland head coach in 2021 following a standout season for the Reds.

 
Under Thorn in 2020, Queensland won their most amount of games since 2013 and remained unbeaten at home throughout the entire Super Rugby AU season which culminated with their first Grand Final appearance in nine years.

 
Following two decades of unparalleled success as a player at the elite level, Thorn joined the QRU in late 2015 as a Development Squad forwards coach and has been at Ballymore for the duration of his coaching career.

 
Thorn guided the Queensland U20s to two Super U20 Championship titles; as an assistant coach in 2016 and as head coach in an undefeated 2017 season.

 
He was also assistant coach of Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) in 2016 and then head coach the following year when Country claimed the title.

 
Thorn and his support staff are currently preparing the Reds for next month’s pre-season ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season.