Western Force sacks coach Michael Foley

A decision has been made to terminate the contract immediately.

Western Force has terminated coach Michael Foley’s contract.

Michael Foley has been sacked as Western Force coach in the same month as the Australian Rugby Union effectively took over the club.

Foley had a year to run on his contract but a decision has been taken to terminate him immediately, which means he will not be in charge for the remaining three matches of the season. Assistant coach Dave Wessels will take over the running of the side until a permanent replacement is found.

“I’m obviously disappointed the way this has gone done,” said captain Matt Hodgson today. “He (Foley) had the full backing of the players who supported him and we would love to have finished the season with him.

Foley, who had a 30 per cent win ratio over his four seasons at the Force — which most critics believe was a good result given the standard of player on his roster and the onerous travel scheduled the club faced — admitted yesterday he was sad to be leaving.

“I love this place and I would have loved to have stayed on next season but if the decision-makers want me gone, that’s it,” Foley The Australian this morning, soon after the decision was made.

It is understood the four men who made the call to fire him immediately were ARU chief operations officer Rob Clarke and high performance director Ben Whittaker and two Western Force officials, CEO Mark Sinderberry and Rugby WA board member Charlie Fear.

ge for the remaining three matches of the season. Assistant coach Dave Wessels will take over the running of the side until a permanent replacement is found.

“I’m obviously disappointed the way this has gone done,” said captain Matt Hodgson today. “He (Foley) had the full backing of the players who supported him and we would love to have finished the season with him.

Foley, who had a 30 per cent win ratio over his four seasons at the Force — which most critics believe was a good result given the standard of player on his roster and the onerous travel scheduled the club faced — admitted yesterday he was sad to be leaving.

“I love this place and I would have loved to have stayed on next season but if the decision-makers want me gone, that’s it,” Foley The Australian this morning, soon after the decision was made.

It is understood the four men who made the call to fire him immediately were ARU chief operations officer Rob Clarke and high performance director Ben Whittaker and two Western Force officials, CEO Mark Sinderberry and Rugby WA board member Charlie Fear.