Fire appoint Brassard as WNBL coach

Former Townsville Fire MVP Claudia Brassard has been appointed as the defending WNBL champions' head coach for the next two seasons.

Brassard, who played for the Fire for five seasons and was captain for three last decade, will take over from Chris Lucas after he stood down earlier this month.

Having served as Lucas' assistant for the past three seasons, the Canadian has already coached the Fire to three matches with a 100 per cent winning record.

"I feel like I have learnt a lot under Chris and I am up for the challenge of trying to maintain our continued success," she said.

"From the moment I arrived at the Fire, I have loved this club, I have loved this city and I have always harboured ambitions to coach this team in my own right one day."

The Fire won back-to-back titles and reached four consecutive grand finals under Lucas.