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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