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Michael Foley sacked as Western Force coach

Michael Foley has been dumped by the Western Force. (AAP Image/Theron Kirkman)
16th June, 2016
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The Western Force have shown coach Michael Foley the door following a number of disappointing seasons with the Super Rugby outfit.

Foley was contracted until the end of the 2017 season, but it was agreed with the club that he would not fulfil the final year of the deal.

“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,” said RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry.

“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.”

After last season’s dismal performance, which saw the Perth-based club handed the wooden spoon on the back of just three wins for the year, the Force are currently rooted to the bottom of the Australian conference with two wins, one of which came against the Queensland Reds during their poor start to the season.

The Force have scored just 21 tries from their 12 games this season, fewer than any other in Super Rugby.

The poor on-field performances have been compounded by off-field issues, with the ARU recently announcing an alliance with the club in order to help boost the Force’s dwindling financial position.

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Since joining the Force in late 2012, Foley has been unable to lure high-profile players out West, instead presiding over an exodus from some of the club’s best players, a number of whom decided to leave the club earlier this year.

The club’s players were called to a meeting on Thursday to inform them of the decision, with the search for a new coach to being immediately. Foley’s assistant David Wessels is set to coach the Force on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2016 season.

Prior to signing with the Force, Foley had been at the helm of the Waratahs during their worst year in Super Rugby history, a season which saw them finish with eight consecutive losses before missing the finals.

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