Force dips into Sevens basket for coach

James Stannard has been appointed assistant coach of skills by the Western Force ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the club announced on Tuesday, November 19.

The 41-year-old former scrumhalf, who played 29 Super Rugby games for the Force across two stints in 2008 and from 2011 to 2012, most recently worked as assistant coach of the Australia women’s Sevens team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He had a decorated career in Sevens, including playing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and being named the 2010 Australian Sevens Player of the Year.

Stannard moved into coaching in 2018, taking up a variety of roles within the Australian men’s and women’s Sevens set-ups, including as the Australian Elite Sevens Teams coach and working at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.

Western Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman said Stannard would be a fantastic addition and offer a further resource to the playing group.

“We’re thrilled to have ‘Chucky’ come on board,” Goodman said. “He’s a well-respected, world-class coach who will bring a lot to our set-up.

“He’s achieved and experienced a lot in rugby sevens including going to two Olympic Games and brings fantastic coaching skills and knowledge which will greatly benefit the group. His desire to coach in the 15s game has led him back to Super Rugby.

“We’re striving to be leaders within Australian rugby and this appointment is geared towards that.

“We’re also delighted to bring a former Force player back within our set-up which is part of the culture piece that we’re building within our four walls.”

Stannard said he was drawn to the Force by the people at the club.

“The people excite me,” Stannard said. “I’m excited about the chance to work with Crono [head coach Simon Cron] and the coaching team. I’ve got good relationships with them.

“I’m excited about the squad they’re building too. They’re a group that’s ready to prove something. That’s exciting.

“I’m excited to be part of a program which can make some big gains in the next couple of years and do something we’ve not done before.”

Having coached in the Sevens set-up, Stannard relishes the challenge of moving into the 15-player game and, as a former Force player, was thrilled with the opportunity in the West.

“The Force gave me my first shot as a player,” he said. “After all these years, the Force has again given me my first shot in 15s as a coach, so it’s come full circle.

“My role will have a focus on core skills, to sharpen up catch-pass, attacking breakdown and kicking strategy. This was my main role in rugby sevens, offering a broad range of skills which I’m keen to apply at the Force.

“I can’t wait to get over there, get my hands dirty, support the staff and reach our goals for 2025.”

Stannard will arrive in Perth next week to commence in his role as the Force pre-season ramps up, with the squad having returned to training last week.