All Black named Reds assistant coach

Sydney - All Blacks World Cup-winning lock Brad Thorn will become an assistant coach at the Reds after his success helping the club's youth team, the Reds said on Thursday.

New Zealand-born Thorn, 41, who played rugby league for Australia before switching to rugby union and playing 59 internationals for New Zealand, coached Queensland to victory in the inaugural Super Under-20s championship this year.

He hung up his boots after a final club season with Leicester last year to become the Queensland Rugby Union's Elite Development Squad forwards coach.

"Brad's achievements in sport speak for themselves and the plan was always for Brad to play a role in coaching the Reds after he'd experienced a few months in the coaching environment with our under-20s," Reds general manager Daniel Herbert said.

"He has taken to coaching well and his work with the Queensland under-20s forward pack was noticeable throughout their undefeated run in the Super U20s Championship."

Thorn said: "I've really enjoyed the ability to have a virtual apprenticeship with the Under-20s and now feel I can use my experience to assist this Reds program."