Former Maroons and Kangaroos winger Les Kiss has been appointed as new coach of the Queensland Reds.
Bundaberg product Kiss, 58, replaces one other ex-Queensland and Australian rugby league consultant, Brad Thorn, who stood down as Reds coach earlier this 12 months after six seasons in cost.
Kiss, who has coached English membership London Irish since 2018, has signed a three-year cope with the Reds.
“It was an attractive option,” Kiss mentioned of the Reds teaching 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 profession included 4 State of Origin video games, 4 Tests and 100 appearances for the North Sydney Bears from 1986 to 1993, mentioned Thorn’s legacy wouldn’t be forgotten at Ballymore.
“With anything in life, you need meaning and purpose. That’s already clear to see here,” he mentioned.
“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.”
Kiss’ rugby union teaching profession dates again to 2001 when he was South Africa’s defensive coach.
Since then his different jobs have included a director of teaching function at Northern Irish membership Ulster and assistant roles with Ireland and the Waratahs.
Queensland Rugby Union chief govt officer David Hanham mentioned Kiss was a “standout candidate” for the Reds teaching place.
“(He) provided us with clarity and confidence in his ability to be successful as head coach,” Hanham mentioned.
“As a Queenslander and having beforehand coached in Australia, mixed together with his wealth of expertise and success, Les is a superb match for the Reds and we consider he has the best method to take Queensland to the subsequent stage in Super Rugby.
Source: www.news.com.au
