Reds snag Tigers and Blues assistants to finalise Cotter's coaching ticket

The Queensland Reds have confirmed Vern Cotter’s coaching ticket, with Peter Hewat and Craig McGrath joining the Kiwi at Ballymore.

The pair have signed two-year deals to join Cotter and Zane Hilton in the new Reds setup, with McGrath following the head coach across the Tasman from the Blues while Hewat joins from a two-year stint with Leicester Tigers.

A former Waratahs and London Irish flyer, Hewat returns to the state he called home during his schooling at Nudgee College, having tasted Super Rugby coaching with the Brumbies from 2018-2020, and previously coached a handful of Reds stars at the U18 representative level.

“On and off the field, there are lots of foundations in place for the Reds to be successful, and I’m really excited to get to work,” Hewat said.

“From afar, I’ve admired what Les Kiss and his coaching team have built. The Reds play an attacking style, a style I’m familiar with and like to coach. I’m looking forward to adding to what’s in place and combining it with the edge Vern is known for…

“Coaching in Super Rugby, in Japan and in England has opened my eyes to the different ways the game can be played and made me a better coach.”

Also with experience in Japan and Super Rugby, McGrath led Cotter’s defence at the Blues in their historic 2024 title-winning season, a year in which the team conceded just 231 points during the 14-game regular season, by far the best mark in recent seasons.

The former Maori All Black, who has worked with Hilton at the Rebels, said he had a number of reasons to make the move to Brisbane.

“One is my relationship with Vern. I’ve worked with him the last three years and I wanted that to continue,” McGrath explained.

“Vern’s way of doing things is something that can add edge to the Reds. I saw how big his imprint was on the Blues in 2024 when they won their first Super Rugby title in 21 years.

“What really sold it is the squad assembled at the Reds, the seasoned players and those coming through the High-Performance pathways.

“I’m really excited about the Australia Under-20s and young players coming through the Queensland system and working with them for the future.

“I do really enjoy working with young players and the push for places they don’t think they can get to. Being part of their development into good players and good young men is very satisfying.”

The new-look group will assemble ahead of September’s Super Rugby AUS competition.

“We have targeted a highly experienced coaching group capable of building on the foundations established over recent years,” said Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager, High Performance.

“We believe this coaching team gives us a strong platform to compete for championships. We are all excited for Vern, Peter and Craig to join the Reds.”