Reds' Super W coach steps down from role

Just days out from their Super W season opener against Western Force, Rama Chand has stepped down as Queensland Reds' coach.

The Reds announced Chand's decision in a release on Monday, citing personal reasons, with assistant Simon Craig to take over on an interim basis ahead of the clash in Perth on Friday.

Chand was appointed to the role in March last year after a career throughout Queensland's coaching pathways.

Under Chand, the Reds finished runners-up in the 2021 Super W competition losing 45-12 in the final at Coffs Harbour as NSW Waratahs claimed a fourth-straight title.

"Rama has done a great job over the last 12 months, guiding the program throughout the pandemic in challenging times, whilst working hard to unearth talent from club rugby and junior ranks," Queensland women's rugby high performance manager Reg Tayler said.

The Reds face the Force at HBF Park as one of 12 double-headers alongside the men's Super Rugby Pacific tournament.

This year's competition will be a six-team, eight-week affair with the addition of newcomers Fijian Drua.