Force retain their SA coaches

The South African influence at the Western Force remains massive. Apart from the considerable player resources coming out of the Republic, they have also held onto their SA coaches.

The Force revealed on Monday that – leading into the franchise's 10th Super Rugby season – head coach Michael Foley, senior assistant coach David Wessels and backs/attack coach Kevin Foote all extended their stay at the Perth-based franchise for a further two years – through to the end of the 2017 season.

On top of that they still have SA forwards Brynard Stander, Chris Heiberg, Francois van Wyk, Wilhelm Steenkamp and backs Marcel Brache, Ryan Louwrens and Sias Ebersohn.

The incumbent Western Force coaching brains trust came together ahead of the 2014 season, and helped guide the team to a record-breaking season for the franchise. It included the most wins in a season (nine); most consecutive wins (five); most home wins (six); and most consecutive home wins (five).

Foley, a former World Cup-winning hooker, who joined the Western Force on a three-year term ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season, said he's passionate about continuing to work alongside the Western Force team, staff and supporters.

"I've been very fortunate to be a part of the team and the wider Western Force family for the past two seasons, and the opportunity to be part of the journey into the future is exciting," he said.

"Working with a group of players who fight and play for one another, a staff who are committed to the players, and a band of supporters who are there for us through thick and thin is special.

"This year provides a new challenge for us. Last year, under the leadership of Matt [Hodgson] and the standards group, the team showed an ability to back up week-to-week and the ability to dust itself off and rip in after setbacks. This year the challenge is to display that consistency over consecutive seasons."

Foley said he's excited about continuing his coaching partnership with Wessels and Foote.

"An integral part of the decision to stay on was that 'Blood' [Wessels] and 'Footey' [Foote] would be part of our push for greater success into the future," he said.

"Their coaching perspectives and energy for the team have been second to none."

Foley's time at the Western Force has seen the most locally-produced players represent the franchise, while the extension is set to see him equal John Mitchell (2006-2010) as the longest-serving head coach in the franchise's history.

RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said the re-signing of Foley, Wessels and Foote will allow the team to continue to build on the foundations already laid over the past two seasons.

"Leading into the 2015 season, we've built continuity within our playing ranks; to then retain Michael, Dave and Kevin for an additional two seasons provides the franchise with additional stability on which to chase further success," he said.

"Under Michael's direction and the leadership of Matt Hodgson, the team has made significant progress over the past two years.

"Michael took control of the side following a difficult 2012 season for the franchise, and has overseen the development of a very strong team culture and, along with Dave and Kevin, have instilled a strong belief within the squad.

"As we enter the 10th season for the franchise, it's important that we have the right people – including Michael, Dave and Kevin – to help us launch the next chapter for the franchise."

Profiles:

Name: Michael Foley

Role: head coach

Coaching roles: 2013-2015 head coach – Western Force, 2012 head coach – NSW Waratahs, 2009-2011 assistant coach – NSW Waratahs, 2006-2008 assistant coach – Wallabies, 2001-2006 forwards coach – Bath

Name: David Wessels

Role: senior assistant coach

Coaching roles: 2014-2015 senior assistant coach – Western Force; 2013 defence consultant – Western Force; 2012 defence consultant – Brumbies; 2009-2011 assistant coach – University of Cape Town; 2008-2009 defence consultant – Stormers.

Name: Kevin Foote

Role: backs/attack coach

Coaching roles: 2014-2015 backs/attack coach – Western Force; 2013 defence consultant – Western Force; 2011-2013 head coach – University of Cape Town (Ikeys); 2008-2010 assistant coach – University of Cape Town (Ikeys)

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