Reds coach reveals new faces
Former Wallabies winger Paul Carozza has joined the Reds as an assistant coach as new boss Brad Thorn unveiled his squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
Thorn has made 10 new signings, including former Brumbies and Stormers prop JP Smith, while six players have re-signed on new deals, including Wallabies utility Karmichael Hunt.
Carozza (pictured) joins former Rebels coach Tony McGahan in assisting rookie head coach Thorn, who has been entrusted with rebuilding the Reds following the departure of Nick Stiles.
Carozza has spent the last 15 years in various coaching roles at Ballymore, most recently as Thorn’s assistant coach with 2017 NRC champions Queensland Country.
“We’re excited to have Paul joining the Reds coaching staff, after providing me with good support in the Queensland under-20s and with Queensland Country,” Thorn said.
“He’s got a long history in Queensland rugby and he is passionate about driving success at the Reds.”
The 10 new Reds faces include Smith, Wallabies development player Liam Wright, NRC leading try-scorer Filipo Daugunu and NSW Country hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa.
A number of players have also been promoted from within the Reds system, including backrower Angus Scott-Young, fly half Hamish Stewart and Australian sevens player Tate McDermott.
“We’ve managed to keep a fairly consistent squad for 2018 but we’ve also rewarded a lot of new players for their hunger and hard work throughout the 2017 season,” Thorn said.