The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) today confirmed the Queensland Reds coaching staff for the 2020 Super W season, with Moana Virtue returning as head coach.
Virtue, who played for Queensland before coaching the side prior to the advent of the Super W in 2018, will be at the helm for the second straight season with three assistant coaches joining her in 2020.
Defence coach Setu Naseri will also return for his second season with the Super W side, while Damon Virtue and Evan Willis join the fold.
Virtue and Willis have both been head coaches within Queensland Premier Rugby, both at Sunnybank, with Willis also having previous experience at Wests as an assistant coach. Virtue will act as backs and skills coach, while Willis will look after the forwards. Both coaches also have previous experience in coaching Women’s Rugby at state level across Sevens and XVs.
“I’m really honoured to be returning for my second season coaching the Queensland Reds in the Super W,” said Virtue.
“We achieved a lot in 2019 in terms of growing and developing the program as a whole, as well as the players individually.
“We had a host of girls go on to make their Wallaroos debuts this year off the back of their Super W form, and I’m looking forward to helping foster the next generation of talent for both our state and national sides.
“I’m lucky to have some experienced coaches joining me next year. Setu (Naseri) was a great support last year and brought a lot to our team, while Damon (Virtue) and Evan (Willis) have both been involved in Queensland Premier Rugby and Queensland representative teams so they will bring a wealth of experience with them that they will be able to impart on the players.”
Sophie Pidcock from Brisbane Boys College, who has been working with the Wallaroos training squad in Brisbane in 2019, will also join the coaching staff as strength and conditioning coach, while Chari Stewart (team physiotherapist) and Sharon Ward (team doctor) also join the team as new staff ahead of the 2020 season.
Rugby Australia’s national talent manager Adrian Thompson said: “The Queensland Reds side have a strong coaching set up heading into the 2020 season.
“Moana (Virtue) has been at the forefront of the Women’s game in Australia for some time, having served as an assistant coach for the Wallaroos in 2017, and she’ll gain further development on our tour of Fiji with Australia A over the coming weeks.
“It’s pleasing to see some up-and-coming coaches from Premier Rugby also coming across to help grow the coaching expertise in Women’s Rugby. Both Damon (Virtue) and Evan (Willis) have coached at a high level, working with some of the best rising talent coming through club Rugby and they’ll be able to offer a lot to the Super W program as we continue to build a professional environment for our players.”
