Former Wallabies hooker Tai McIsaac has been lured back to the Western Force on a three-year deal – but this time as a coach.
McIsaac, who played 52 consecutive matches for the Force between 2006-09, will take up a key coaching role alongside Dwayne Nestor in the club’s full-time academy program.
He will also help out the main Force squad as a lineout consultant.
McIsaac, who recently coached at Japanese clubs Honda Heat and Toyota Industry Shuttles, says he was keen to rejoin the Force after almost five years abroad.
“I had a fantastic time in Japan and I learnt a lot, but this is a particularly exciting time to come back and be involved with the club,” McIsaac said.
“Having followed the Force since I’ve been away, this team’s performances were characterised by a determination to play for one another, which is such a cornerstone for any successful side.
“My wife Penny and I absolutely loved our time in Perth before, and we’re very excited to be returning with our young family again.”
McIsaac’s main role will be with the newly-launched Future Force program, which has set its sights on turning around 30 per cent of its inductees into future Super Rugby players.
The program, which will target the best young talent between the ages of 17-22, is headed by former international cricket coach Mickey Arthur.
“It’s terrific for the club to be thinking outside the square to bolster the playing ranks in WA, and particularly pleasing to see an emphasis placed on producing quality people, as well as players through this program,” McIsaac said.
Earlier this month, the Force re-signed star flyhalf Sias Ebersohn for a further three years, tying him to the Perth-based franchise until the end of 2017.
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