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Academy coach takes top job with Reds

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Leicester Tigers assistant academy manager Jim McKay is to return to Australia and a top job at Super 14 outfit Queensland Reds.

Sydney-born McKay has gained extensive coaching experience in England and is to join the Reds as backs and defence coach in support of head coach Ewen McKenzie.

Tigers Academy manager Neil McCarthy said: “Jim has done an excellent job with the Academy and he will return to Australia with our blessing.

“The fact that a set-up like Queensland Reds want him involved in their senior set-up in the Super 14s shows the level of his contribution here and also the strength of the coaching set-up at the Tigers Academy.”

McKay said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester Tigers because the club takes the development of its Academy players very seriously and puts a lot of emphasis on bringing young players through the ranks into the senior set-up.

“Tom Croft, Ben Youngs and Matt Smith are just some of the guys who have come right through here in recent years to join the current first-team squad and before them it was Louis and Brett Deacon, Harry Ellis, Sam Vesty and Dan Hipkiss.

“The club takes great pride in bringing players through and those guys act as a great incentive for the next generations of Academy players. I’m sure there are many more to follow.

“The Academy development and playing programme is world class and it has been a privilege to be involved. I am grateful for the opportunity Leicester Tigers gave me.

“There is a fantastic group of players and work culture here, and I look forward to seeing them progress into the first-team ranks.”

Tigers will recruit a replacement as Academy assistant manager in due course.