Former Super Rugby and National Rugby League representative Elia Tuqiri will take over the reins at Souths heading into 2017, with Brett Picone moving into a Director of Rugby role at the club.
Souths went from mid-table finishers to Hospital Cup winners under the direction of Picone over the last two seasons, winning their first BLK Queensland Premier Rugby title since 2000 in 2015.
Tuqiri, who has been elevated to the role after aiding in the evolution of the Premier Grade side as an assistant coach, is hoping to continue and build upon the club’s success over the past two seasons.
“I’m really excited for 2017, Brett has left us in a great position,” said Tuqiri.
“What he has been able to do at the club in a short space of time has been tremendous and we want to continue that. We’ve also got some exciting new players coming to club and plenty of talent coming through the colts program.
“I always look at Souths as a club that is full of battlers and that is part of our culture, I want to continue that. In regards to Rugby, we’ve had one of the better attacks over the last few seasons but we also want to improve our defence and have a better attitude in our work off the ball.”
Improving the defence of the Premier Grade side is one of Tuqiri’s major focuses.
He has recruited the help of former Fijian international and current defence coach Mosese Rauluni.
Former St.George Queensland Reds lock Van Humphries will also return to Chipsy Wood as the forwards coach.
“Van is a legend of the club and has been involved for a long time. He has a lot of respect amongst the players and we’re pleased to have him return to the club. We also have Mosese Rauluni coming on board and he is currently the Fijian defence coach. It’s great to have both of them on board to assist.”
Van Humphries packs down with Rob Simmons in the Reds second row.
Strength and conditioning coach Paul Heffernan will also return to the club in 2017 to round out the Premier Grade coaching unit.
While Tuqiri, who served as an assistant coach under Picone has been elevated to the head coach role of Premier Grade, 2016 Premier Colts assistant coach Matt Myers has also been promoted to the head coach role of the Premier Colts for next season.
Souths will host a Colts information evening at Chipsy Wood this coming Thursday, November 3rd, starting at 6:00pm.
The Premier Grade squad will also begin pre-season training this week on Monday.
Souths are also currently collecting funds to assist with the refurbishment of the club’s change rooms.
There is a 'go fund me' page where current and former Magpies can contribute to the effort, follow this link to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/2u9163o
