Perth based Super Rugby franchise the Western Force have announced that their Head Coach Michael Foley has vacated his role with immediate effect.
Foley’s departure will see current Senior Assistant Coach Dave Wessels assume a caretaker role for the team’s final three matches of the 2016 season while the club will immediately commence a process to appoint a new Head Coach for 2017.
RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry thanked Foley for his contribution to the organisation over the past four years.
“Michael is a fine Coach and has done a good job in his four years with the team considering some of the obvious challenges he’s faced.
“We would have liked to have had more success during this time but the Western Force also had its most successful season under Michael in 2014.
“With the team out of contention for finals, it was appropriate timing for both parties to look to the future and that’s why we have agreed to part ways.
“We wish Michael all the best for the future and will commence a process together with the ARU to appoint a new Head Coach for the 2017 season.”
Foley took over the reins at the Perth-based team in late 2012, becoming the team’s third full-time Head Coach after inaugural Coach John Mitchell (2006-10) and Richard Graham (2011-12).
The Western Force failed to reach the finals in his four seasons at the helm but had its most successful season under Foley in 2014, registering nine wins to finish in 8th positon on the ladder.
