St.George Queensland Reds finalise coaching team for 2016
Recently appointed Executive General Manager – Reds, Daniel Herbert today announced the appointment of experienced senior coach Matt O’Connor as the Reds Attack Coach on a three-year deal.
O’Connor will join Head Coach Richard Graham (defence) and Senior Assistant Coach Nick Stiles (forwards) ahead of the Reds pre-season later this year. The appointment completes the Reds coaching staff structure for 2016.
O’Connor brings almost 20 years of experience to the role. Most recently, he worked as head coach of Leicester in the English Premiership (2009-2013) and Leinster in the European Pro 12 (2014-2015), achieving success with both teams.
Herbert said O’Connor was a strong addition to the Reds coaching team.
“The Reds Rugby Panel considered a number of local and international candidates to find someone who could help us deliver the best Rugby program in Australia,” Herbert said.
“Matt has a proven track record. He has a history of improving Rugby programs with a strong attack-based approach to his coaching.
“We’re looking forward to him making a significant contribution to Queensland Rugby.”
O’Connor’s coaching career began in 1999 with Japanese side Kubota, before taking on roles with the Brumbies and Australia A. He made the move to the UK in 2009.
The 44-year-old, who represented the Wallabies in a Test against Ireland in 1994, said he was excited to return to Australia and join a revamped Reds program ahead of the 2016 season.
“Ballymore is one of the true Rugby centres in Australia that still exists. It’s exciting to join an organisation with such great Rugby pedigree, history and tradition,” O’Connor said.
“My family has been overseas for 13 of the last 17 years, so it’s huge to be able to return to Australia and we’re looking forward to making the move to Queensland to join the Reds.”
O’Connor’s appointment adds further experience to the growing list of Reds staff Queensland Rugby has appointed to its new optimum high-performance structure.
Other recent announcements include the appointments of Brad Thorn as Reds Elite Development Squad Forwards Coach, Damian Marsh as Head of Athletic Performance, the re-signing of Richard Graham and Nick Stiles and Cameron Lillicrap returning as Head Physiotherapist.
Matt O’Connor coaching history
1999 – Assistant Coach Kubota, Japanese Top League
2000-2004 – Head Coach Kubota, Japanese Top League
2005-2007 – Assistant Coach Australia A
2005-2008 – Assistant Coach Brumbies, Super Rugby
2006 – Head Coach Brumbies, Australian Provincial Championship
2009-2013 – Head Coach Leicester, English Premiership
2013-2015 – Head Coach Leinster, European Pro12
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