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Les Kiss unveils new Reds coaching team with heavy London Irish flavour

London Irish Head Coach, Les Kiss ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between London Irish and Exeter Chiefs at Gtech Community Stadium on May 06, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has followed through on his touted coaching clean-out, replacing all of former mentor Brad Thorn’s assistants ahead of his first Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

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Kiss has brought on former London Irish colleagues Brad Davis and Jonathan Fisher as well as Tonga assistant Zane Hilton.

He has also expanded the role of Reds Academy coach Dale Roberson.

They replace long-time attack coach Jim McKay – he served for nine years in two separate stints – as well as Phil Blake, Mick Heenan and Kane Hames who were brought in last season to assist in the final year of Thorn’s contract.

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Kiss said Fisher was “one of the best coaching talents in English rugby while former rugby league player Davis has enjoyed a similar path to rugby union coaching as former Queensland State of Origin winger Kiss.

Hilton, currently assisting Toutai Kefu at the World Cup, is a former Reds development officer with extensive international experience, most recently in Japan.

“It’s an integrated coaching group. All four bring great experience in their roles and while each has a technical lead, they will also work across different disciplines which will accelerate the process,” Kiss said on Friday.

“I’d like to acknowledge Jim McKay, Phil Blake, Mick Heenan and Kane Hames for their service to Queensland Rugby.

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“All have left the Reds in a better place and will leave a lasting impact on our squad into the future.”

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Kiss has recruited former All Blacks Alex Hodgman and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen to bolster a forward pack that will be missing Melbourne Rebels-bound Taniela Tupuo next season.

The Reds will host the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at a capped pre-season fixture at the redeveloped Ballymore on November 9.

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RedWarrior 2 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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