FORMER WALLABY PROP Nick Stiles has been appointed as the Queensland Reds’ new permanent coach for the next two seasons.
Stiles, who played 12 times for Australia, has been the interim co-coach along with Matt O’Connor since Richard Graham was let go two rounds into the 2016 Super Rugby season.
“The panel and board considered a number of strong candidates and ultimately determined Nick to have the right attributes to take this group forward,” said Queensland Rugby Union general manager Daniel Herbert.
He has the strong support of the playing group, many of whom he has identified and developed.”
Stiles has never been a head coach at the top level before, but he does have 11 years of coaching experience, including six seasons as a Super Rugby assistant.
“Nick is a great coach and has a good rapport with the playing group,” said Reds captain James Slipper.
“I’ve seen first-hand how he can get the best out of players and I know how much this team’s success means to him. The players are ready to get behind Nick and we look forward to 2017.”
O’Connor, though, has left the club to pursue other opportunities.
The Reds won just three of their Super Rugby outings this season, which was the fourth worst record overall.
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Can’t help but wonder what if Ferris was still playing that would be a frightening back row.
True. Ferris would be an upgrade on Stander
Two bulldozers! Only one more sleep lads
Can’t wait to see them 3 get stuck in and cause complete mayhem
CJ and SOB are gona tear the frogs a new arsehole
When u think o mahony and Henderson has to come back into this squad,and Wat they both bring to De table,and with the quality ireland have right across all back positions now,and De quality coming through,irish rugby is definitely, at international level,in a great place..
Shame that knob jockey pape won’t be playing. We won’t get to see Seanie give him a cuddle!
Thought ruddock was on bench not TOD?
There was some confusion yesterday but it is the TOD.
It shows the quality we have in the back row when Ruddock can’t get in the 23.
Or when POM isn’t missed. (Tactically, personally we still miss him)
Disagree with that, I am biased against Munster and despite that I think he is arguably Ireland’s best forward – he is always immense when he plays for Ireland – I don’t think Stander, Henry or O’Donnell can match him
I’m a huge POM fan and really think he adds something extra. But if we lose we won’t be saying “of only Peter had been playing”. His replacement doesn’t fall THAT far short.
Just consider for a moment Henderson playing at 6 along with Stander at 8 and O’Brien at 7.
That would be the dream combination
Just need to find pace on the Inge and power in the second row and then we have a team to be feared
I’d have Henderson at second row. Completely fills the position but the advantage of another back row in the loose.
You’d sort of be missing Heaslip at 8 there, lad
Can’t wait for an ireland win..