A former University of the Sunshine Coast student and Barbarians forward has instilled the Queensland Reds with robust defence, and he’s determined to help them to a title in 2021.
Michael Todd, 31, became assistant coach in June, after Peter Ryan was let go as part of the club’s COVID-enforced cost-cutting measures.
The ex-Reds analyst was tasked with closing the gaps in their defence, after they conceded an average of 30 points per game for the past six seasons.
His contribution had immediate success and they reached the final of the 2020 Super Rugby AU competition, leaking just 19 points per game.
He’s focused on getting more out of the players, without confusing them.
“I’m just trying to keep it really simple and keep everyone on the same page and pushing in the right direction,” he said.
“We didn’t finish as well as we wanted to last season (losing the final) so hopefully we can get better. We know we can get better and we’ll take one step further hopefully.
“It’s still a long way to that so we’ve got to make sure we play well and represent well and if we do that we’ll end up in the final again.”
Pride and passion
He said identity plays their part in a successful team.
“It (the season journey) has got to have meaning and purpose,” he said.
“It’s important to represent the jersey. You’ve got the privilege of wearing the jersey and you’ve got to show that.
“It (the campaign) has got to tie into the passion and pride of who you represent.
“Times are pretty tough with COVID so we’re fortunate to be able to play the sport and to represent Queensland.”
Todd was back on the Sunshine Coast with a handful of Reds last week, while more of the club’s players were scattered around the state as part of the ‘Reds to Regions’ initiative.
“It gives the players more perspective about who they represent,” Todd said.
“We’re not the Brisbane Reds and they’re understanding that.
“And it’s really important we give back to the communities.”
Analysis guru
Todd, a Zimbabwe junior representative, moved to Queensland in 2009.
He studied sports and exercise science at USC from 2011 to 2013, when he played as a forward for the Barbarians and helped them win a Sunshine Coast competition in 2011.
It was there he met staffer and ex-All-Blacks bio-mechanist and special skills coach Mark Sayers, who pointed him towards rugby analysis.
Todd then linked with the now-defunct Sunshine Coast Stingrays to play in the state competition, but a serious knee injury sustained in a trial stopped him in his tracks.
It proved to be a blessing in disguise.
With each of the premier grade clubs getting new software, he volunteered to be the club’s analyst and sunk his teeth into the job.
“And I reached out to the Reds analyst Pete Hawkins and said I’d love to learn more about this and would love to volunteer my time to see how it works and learn more,” he said.
Todd was welcomed to the Reds and he volunteered his time for two years, before being rewarded with a full-time position.
The offer of a promotion then arrived to become assistant coach/defence coach last year, when the Reds ended their relationship with contractors, including Ryan, due to the financial impact of COVID-19.
“Brad Thorn asked if I was up to doing it and I ‘said yeah I’ll give it a good shot and give it my best.”
He’s since relished the role and is looking forward to 2021.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.
“I know a lot of the players there … and it’s just great working with such good players and watching them grow.”
The second edition of Super Rugby AU will start on February 19 and will again consist of the five Australian franchises, with finals.
The Australian teams are then set to meet New Zealand teams in a trans-Tasman competition.
