Simon Cron has finally landed at a Super Rugby club with the Japan-based coach to take the reins at Western Force.
Cron has signed a two-year deal with the Perth outfit, replacing Tim Sampson at the end of this season.
The nephew of All Blacks scrum guru Mike Cron, the young coach had been linked to both the NSW Waratahs and Brumbies in recent years but timing worked against him.
He is presently coach at Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, where he was recruited and mentored by former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who is the club’s director of rugby.
Apart from working in Japan, Cron was coach of Australia’s under-20 team, Waratahs assistant, coached the Sydney Rays in the NRC and was a premiership-winning coach of Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.
Western Force owner, billionaire mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, said Cron had an eye for talent and player development.
“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.
“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.
Cron said he was impressed by the Force’s vision and ambition, backed by Forrest.
“Andrew Forrest took time out of his extremely busy schedule to talk with me around his family’s love of the Western Force and how it is a key part of the Western Australian sporting community,” Cron said.
“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.”
Ex force fan
Guest
Think they can resolve it by including top ups in the salary caps. Then every team can afford a couple of star players.
Good point
Guest
Very pertinent points. W.A. is some rich, rent seekers folly.
Victorian
Guest
They should have not bothered reintroducing this busted-ass franchise. Nothing but a lot of trouble. They should have relocated the Force franchise to north shore of Sydney, maybe North Sydney oval. The North Sydney Bears. It would correct two errors.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
This says Tim but I meant Tony’s feedback. :unhappy: The WF may have been able to retain FLW with the help of a bit of Wallaby/RA top-up.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Thanks heaps for sharing that interview audio. Listened to it in full. Fair play to Gloucester - what a signing for them to get FLW. Utterly stunned Dave Rennie can't see what everyone else in rugby sees.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
Pleasing to see an article about the Western Force staying on The Roar's "Roaring Hot" list for more than a minute. Fantastic to see a coaching talent like Simon Cron back in Australia.
VO
Roar Rookie
A Great decision by Twiggy, it was unlike many things in rugby "clear and obvious" that Sampson lacked what it takes to take the Force to the next level. A fine job so far though. Now for the deadwood still left in the playing squad to join Jake McIntyre elsewhere , Andrew Ready, Ian Prior, Jack McGregor and Brad Lacy. The need for an oustanding 7 standsout like a wart on a nose.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
Tim's feedback says it all re FLW. Seems plenty of fight but sad to hear that nobody from the Wallabies had even spoken to him. Tony Lewis interview (poor audio)
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yes, I would. If you want to be the best you need to be able to have confronting conversations with yourself. Sometimes the answers won't be fun.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I think we need that next phase in our development and hopefully Cron brings that, however, I don't know how the club can lose a player like FLW with no apparent fight. In fact, it makes the blood boil.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
Mark Ozich - Winning coach at Hawke's Bay Magpies has been in his job for <4months. I reckon he's worthy of a bit more time.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
Wouldn’t you expect some level of tension around the selection table and Monday match reviews with a SR record of 6 wins from 27 games (22%). Glorious losses are no recipe for success from a professional sporting organisation. Tim had a great record in his Global Rapid Rugby seasons with 14 wins from 16 games (88%) – the 2 losses were to SR teams (Rebels and Crusaders) but it included a fantastic home win against Robbie Dean’s Panasonic Wild Knights.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
I doubt it - that's the CEO's call.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Hasnt been a SS coach for a few years now Jockstar!
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Maybe the Rebels could do with a coach that promotes fighting for every point.
Double Agent
Guest
From my own experience liking something is often not the same as having something!! :laughing:
piru
Roar Rookie
Agreed
Phil
Roar Rookie
Yes and Cron is all over the finest technical and tactical detail that may give them that small improvement they need.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Totally agree. A small improvement seems all that’s necessary at the Force where there’s been a lot to like culturally for a while
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Nah, way better to allow a once in a generation supporter to totally change the game in the country by outspending everybody to build a side