Queensland Reds choose Les Kiss to replace departed coach Brad Thorn

Having said goodbye to Brad Thorn, the Queensland Reds have turned to another former State of Origin and Kangaroos rugby league player.

Former Maroons and Kangaroos winger Les Kiss has promised a “progressive” and “resilient” Queensland Reds outfit after being appointed as the successor to departed coach Brad Thorn.

Bundaberg product Kiss, 58, was on Thursday announced as the Reds new coach following the decision earlier this year by Thorn – another ex-Queensland and Australian rugby league representative – to stand down after six seasons in charge.

Kiss, who was coach of London Irish before the club was ejected from the English Premiership last month due to financial woes, has signed a three-year deal with the Reds.

“It was an attractive option,” Kiss said of the Reds coaching job.

“The opportunity to return home to Queensland and coach at a successful club in a new world-class facility at Ballymore was something which appealed to me greatly.”

Kiss, whose rugby league career included four State of Origin games, four Tests and 100 appearances for the North Sydney Bears from 1986 to 1993, said Thorn’s legacy would not be forgotten at Ballymore.

Les Kiss has come a long way since his days playing for the North Sydney Bears in the 1980s.

“With anything in life, you need meaning and purpose. That’s already clear to see here,” he said.

“Brad Thorn laid a culture of fight, spirit and hard work, plus a love for the jersey. As Queenslanders, we get that.

“I am committed to building on these strong foundations to help the Reds achieve their full potential in Super Rugby.

“I have a holistic approach about everyone having skill sets to be able to play an aggressive, progressive style of rugby, but when it’s not on the front foot, I want a team that’s resilient.

“I want to be a team that’s hard to break, hard to beat, difficult to work out, a team that turns up and aims up consistently, that gives us the chance to express who we want to be”

Kiss’ rugby union coaching career dates back to 2001 when he was South Africa’s defensive coach.

Since then his other jobs have included a director of coaching role at Northern Irish club Ulster and assistant roles with Ireland and the Waratahs.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive officer David Hanham said Kiss was a “standout candidate” for the Reds coaching position.

“(He) provided us with clarity and confidence in his ability to be successful as head coach,” Hanham said.

“As a Queenslander and having previously coached in Australia, combined with his wealth of experience and success, Les is an excellent fit for the Reds and we believe he has the right formula to take Queensland to the next level in Super Rugby.

Originally published as Queensland Reds choose Les Kiss to replace departed coach Brad Thorn