The Western Force have executed a surprise mid-season coup by landing highly regarded New Zealander Simon Cron to be their next coach.
Cron, a former Waratahs assistant currently coaching Toyota Verblitz in Japan, will replace Tim Sampson at the end of the 2022 campaign.
Sampson has done an admirable job with the Force, who sit seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a 2-4 record.
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But the club’s billionaire owner, mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, was confident he had secured the services of one of the world’s best up and coming coaches to take his squad to the next level.
“Simon is one of world rugby’s most talented young coaches whose philosophy is to make better rugby players, both on and off the field,” Forrest said.
“It is his dedication to values, player wellbeing and growth, as well as his respected coaching ability, that we are really looking forward to at the Force.
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“Simon’s leadership and technical knowledge of the game will be welcomed by the player and coaching team at the Force, as it builds to be a true powerhouse in world rugby.
“A huge thanks to Tim Sampson for his great and tireless role in bringing the Force back into Super Rugby. He has been a true champion of the club.”
Cron has also coached the Australian under-20s, Sydney Rays and Northern Suburbs and was mentored by Rugby World Cup-winning mastermind Steve Hansen in Japan.
Toyota are currently fifth in Japan Rugby League One with a 6-4 record.
“I see the Western Force as a club which has fought through adversity and come out the other side because of a genuine love of rugby within the organisation and its amazing supporters, the Sea of Blue,” Cron said.
“I look forward to working with the players, coaches and staff to develop a team that will inspire the next generation of Western Australian boys and girls to want to play rugby, as well as help those currently playing to grow within our game.”
Sampson issued a classy message after learning his contract would not be extended.
“My focus hasn’t changed. We are determined to achieve success and perform well for the remainder of the season,” Sampson said.
Force chief executive Tony Lewis said Cron’s appointment showed the club’s lofty ambition.
“He will be a great addition to the club as we continue to strive to be a world class organisation,” Lewis said.
“He brings outstanding leadership and will bring the best out of the coaches and players. Both the club and Simon are hungry for results and we must continue to push the limits.
“To do this he will attract, retain, develop and produce the next generation of Wallabies players through the Force high performance system and lead the development of the best Australian coaches within the Western Force.
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“Tim Sampson is a class act. The Force has great respect for him and his incredible efforts over the last five years as he has guided the club through Global Rapid Rugby and the successful return to Super Rugby.”
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