Reds backs to wall as O’Connor accepts the challenge

MATT O’Connor’s willingness to take on the role of backs coach after being bypassed for the top job has added healthy heat to the coaching mix at the Reds.

The perform-or-else vibe is everywhere for head coach Richard Graham.

It can’t escape anyone that Graham is on a one-year extension to work some yet unseen magic while assistants O’Connor and Nick Stiles (forwards) are both on three-year deals.

Both are quality allies in the high-performance restructure at the Reds but also potential head coach options for the future if the bold backing of Graham misfires.

Sacked as head coach by Irish club Leinster in May, former Wallaby centre O’Connor, 44, missed out to Graham when applying to be head coach at the Reds.

All the thwarted head coach applicants, with a backs background like O’Connor and former Wallaby Tim Lane, were asked if they wanted to reapply for the attack coach role.

Both did and O’Connor got it. Importantly, he injects more than 15 years of coaching experience and what worked in trophy success when at En- glish club Leicester (2009-13) and Leinster (2013-15).

“Ballymore is one of the true rugby centres in Australia that still exists,” O’Connor said. “It’s exciting to join an organisation with such great rugby pedigree, history and tradition.”

He will have plenty to do with key halves pairing of Will Genia and Quade Cooper exiting.