Re the brad thorn idea.
I was under the impression that brad had another season to play at Sanix wild knights in Japan, and was only loaned to Leinster on a short term contract during the Japanese off season to assist them through their injury crisis in the second row. In typical thorn fashion, he cemented a starting place and was instrumental in the scrum (behind Mike Ross), breakdown and gain line dominance that delivered them the H cup again. However, if this is not the case, there is a great opportunity for some role at the reds, as I believe Brad has maintained through the years he intends to return to Brisbane after his playing days are over, he owns a house here and his family is here. I also hear that brad has considered becoming a strength coach.
Here is what I propose. The Reds put up a moderate base salary and ask him to train with the team in preparation for possible use during the super XV. Meanwhile, Brad enrols in a university degree in human movements. After one season, Brad officially retires and is given some consultancy and corporate job with the QRU that takes care of his employment while he finishes his degree (similar to what peter hynes does currently). in 2015 Brad spends most of his university time doing his practical study in strength and conditioning under Damian Marsh at the Reds (and perhaps some under Dan Baker at the Broncos), while maintaining his other roles (consultancy, corporate management, promotions, player mentoring etc. with QRU). By 2016 Brad is university educated and a qualified strength and conditioning coach. He then merges his corporate work with an assistant strength and conditioning position at the Reds and rises through the ranks to become a widely respected S&C guy with the world of rugby at his feet. Simple.