Ex-All Black Brad Thorn lands Test job with European minnows

Former Reds head coach Brad Thorn has been named the new forwards and strength and conditioning coach of Malta.

The World Cup-winning All Black left his role with the Reds in 2023, and has worked under former Samoa international Dan Leo at Brisbane Boys’ College since then.

The dual code legend will now move into the Test arena, working with head coach Dr Phil Pretorius with a Malta side currently ranked 51st in the world.

Malta will become the latest role in a storied career for the former Bulls boss Pretorius which has seen him coach Tonga, the Czech Republic and the Cayman Islands.

The new coaching team will be completed by former Spain international Jaike Carter, who is the current head coach of Malta Sevens, who recently won bronze in the Games of the Small States of Europe.

A statement from the Malta Rugby Football Union on Instagram reads: “The Malta Rugby Football Union is proud to announce a new National Coaching Team, led by Dr Phil Pretorius as Head Coach. With nearly 30 years of coaching experience across four international sides, including Tonga and the Czech Republic, as well as over 200 Currie Cup games, Phil brings proven leadership and a track record of transforming teams on the world stage.

“He is joined by Brad Thorn, World Cup winner and All Blacks legend with over 20 years at the very top, as Forwards and S&C Coach, and Jaike Carter, former international Sevens player in the World Series and current Malta Sevens Head Coach who recently guided Malta to bronze at the 2025 GSSE, as Backs Coach. Together, this world-class coaching team is ready to take Maltese rugby to the next level.”

Malta’s most recent outing came against Israel in April, where a 16-15 defeat snapped their six-match winning streak which dated back to October 2022, where they were defeated 23-14 by Bulgaria.