Super Rugby: QRU will re-sign Reds coach Brad Thorn on new two-year deal

Brad Thorn will be re-signed to a new two-year coaching deal by Queensland Rugby Union bosses who see long-term success through the fog of the current losing streak.

The Reds are happy to stick with coach Brad Thorn. Picture: Getty Images

• Decision to rest pack aces leaves Reds vulnerable
• Ruck, rattle and roll for rugby women

Brad Thorn will be re-signed to a new two-year coaching deal by Queensland Rugby Union bosses who see long-term success through the fog of the current losing streak.

QRU chief executive David Hanham said there were “advanced discussions” about Thorn remaining at the helm.

“Being leaders in coaching is one of the pillars of our three-year plan,” Hanham said.

“That’s not only in our coach education across the code in Queensland but having the right people in the right roles for the stability of the Reds.”

Hanham said he was not jittery over the Thorn plan because of the team’s 0-3 start to the season.

“Brad is a big part of the stability we see for the seasons ahead and it’s very much about a ‘coaching team’ not one coach,” Hanham said

The Reds are happy to stick with coach Brad Thorn. Picture: Getty Images

Leading late in the highly-promising opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin has turned into three losses and fresh questions about where the Reds are off the pace.

Thorn’s own record as a head coach stands at just six wins from 19 starts, a less-than-stellar 32 per cent success rate.

Long-suffering Reds fans would trade some of the team culture gains for a win over the Sunwolves which must come in Tokyo tomorrow or another long season without a finals buzz is in store.

Winning a Super Rugby championship by 2021 is the grandiose ambition penned in the three-year plan.

Reds coach Brad Thorn (left) with defence coach Peter Ryan. Picture: Brendan Hertel/QRU

Many would suggest it is far-fetched but Hanham said it is “certainly achievable.”

Thorn’s coaching assistants Peter Ryan (defence) and Jim McKay (attack) are already locked in for next season so a stable trio at the top would be enviable progress for the Reds.

Not since Ewen McKenzie, Matt Taylor and McKay were the core of the Reds coaching team between 2010-12 has the club been able to aim at such alignment.

Hanham said attracting and retaining players was directly linked to “the player experience and enjoyment” with coaches and he felt the Reds were strongly placed to translate that to better rugby.

Thorn said recently he wanted to stay on board to keep the club “going in a good direction.”

“I’m keen to keep being part of that because people can see a group that is getting pretty tight, one where mates put in for each other,” Thorn said.

Queensland great Paul McLean said Thorn is the right man for the job and “I’m prepared to wait a little for the results I know will come with a developing young group.”