Former Highlanders lock Brad Thorn will move into coaching in Brisbane when he hangs up his boots.
Thorn (40) is playing out his career in the English Premiership and will play the last match of his career later this month if Leicester does well in the playoffs.
His future has been up in the air but coaching has always been something in which Thorn has been interested.
The Courier-Mail in Queensland reported Thorn is to get involved in the Reds system for next season.
He will be mentoring young forwards and helping them reach their potential. It is a different role than Reds forward coach Nick Stiles carries out.
Thorn has never played for any Australian rugby side although he moved to Brisbane with his family at a young age.
He played for the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team for many years before crossing over into the 15-man game. His wife and her family are from Brisbane.
Thorn made his first-class debut for the Broncos in 1994.
He played for the Highlanders in 2013-14 and, in the second year, had a role as assistant strength and conditioning coach for the side.
He indicated then he could possibly have a future as a coach but wanted to play for another year.
He was not picked for this season by the Highlanders and opted to head to Leicester to finish his career.
Thorn's appointment at the Reds is said to be solid even if coach Richard Graham is let go after what is shaping to be a disappointing season.
