Brad Thorn to step down as Reds head coach

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has today confirmed Brad Thorn will step down as head coach of the Queensland Reds at the conclusion of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
 

Following two decades of unparalleled success as a player at the elite level, Thorn’s coaching credentials will leave a lasting legacy at Ballymore after he guided the Reds through a global pandemic to their first Super Rugby title in 10 years and blooded a total of 62 Queensland debutants during his six seasons in charge.
 

Of those 62 players to wear the maroon for the first time, 10 have gone on to play 50 matches for Queensland while another 14 players have since represented the Wallabies courtesy of their development under Thorn at Ballymore.
 

The 48-year-old is the longest serving Reds head coach in more than two decades and equal-fourth longest in Queensland coaching history.
 
“It’s been an honour to coach Queensland,” said Thorn.
 
"As a Christian, I want to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for his strength and for the purpose he’s given me in being here over the past six years.
 
“I’d like to thank my family for their support and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them at season’s end.
 
“I’ve also been lucky to have a great group of staff who have had my back along every step of the way, and I thank them – they’re friends for life.
 
“The past six seasons have been equally enjoyable as they’ve been challenging, but I’m fortunate for the opportunity and hope I when I do leave here, the program and culture is in better shape to when I started the job in 2018.
 
“To be a part of young footballer’s development is something special. It’s been great to see so many earn the opportunity to wear the maroon jersey for the first time, and then to go on and play for their country.
 
“The job’s not finished. We’ve got six games left and then finals – and we’ve got a plan to get there.”

In his maiden year as Queensland head coach, Thorn won more games (six) than the previous four seasons (2017 – four wins, 2016 – three wins, 2015 – four wins, 2014 – five wins).
 
He guided Queensland to three-straight Super Rugby Finals appearances (2020, 2021, 2022) that included claiming the 2021 Super Rugby AU Championship.