The Western Force are on the lookout for a new chief executive after parting ways with Tony Lewis.
Lewis was lured to the Super Rugby club in 2021 with one massive task – to turn the Perth-based franchise into a world rugby powerhouse.
But his tenure has lasted less than three years, with the Force informing Lewis this week that his services were no longer needed.
Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest owns the Force.
His Fortescue Metals Group has lost a series of top executives in recent months, but it’s understood the decision to axe Lewis is completely separate from what is happening at FMG.
“After three seasons, Tony Lewis has moved on from the position of Western Force CEO,” a Force spokesperson said.
“The Force is now a critical part of Super Rugby.
“We are focused on driving the club’s continued success for our members and fans, as well as continuing to help grow rugby in WA.”
The Western Force are on the hunt for a new CEO after parting ways with Tony Lewis. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Niamh O’Connor, who joined the Force board last week, has been named as interim chief executive.
O’Connor is also the director of the Future Force Foundation and a Rugby Western Australia board member.
Lewis was a highly respected NZ rugby administrator when he was lured to the Force in 2021.
The challenge of turning the Force into a powerhouse excited Lewis.
“It’s one of the best contracts I’ve ever signed,” Lewis said shortly after joining the Force
“In essence, no real job description, just 10 points and from my perspective, that’s what he (Forrest) wants, that’s what we’ve got to achieve.
“The key ones are strong community base, best team in Australia, best team in the Australia-New Zealand conference, best team in the southern hemisphere, best club team in the world.
“We’ve got to know our place in the ecosystem here and quietly go about our business and become the No.1 rugby state in Australia and move onto the next.”
The Western Force made some ground in 2023 but have been active on the player market this year under Simon Cron. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Those lofty ambitions are yet to come to fruition, with the Force struggling to become an on-field power.
Despite eight of 12 teams qualifying for the finals in the remodelled Super Rugby Pacific format, the Force have missed out in each of the past two seasons.
Coach Simon Cron, who is entering his second season at the helm, has been boosted by the arrival of Wallabies halfback Nic White, former All Black Atu Moli, Ben Donaldson, Lopefi Taifua, Harry Hoopert, Will Harris and Harry Potter for the 2024 campaign.
Hillsy
Roar Rookie
Word is is that Lewis was a really tough bloke to work with. Knew his rugby but was an awful co worker. The brutal sacking of Tim Sampson upset many . If you live by the sword you die by the sword.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Force for 5 years should get dispensation...bring them up too speed.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
It is clear that RA has been re-aligning with the Sydney club scene. The Force has been left out in the cold. I expect that Twiggy is looking at performance and that promises have not been delivered. It would be interesting to see what direction the Force will take from here.
AndyS
Roar Rookie
Indeed. None of their ambitions are possible entirely within the confines of SR, but still no indication as to how they might widen their horizons.
DGS
Roar Rookie
It’s a mixed blessing having Twiggy involved. Great from a funding perspective but he has very little patience and a long history of churning through senior people quickly. This looks like the latest. If Cron doesn’t take the Force to the finals next season, he’ll struggle to continue.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Intersting that the first step is strong community base. The foundation is accomplished.Good work being done in Perth.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
I didn’t realise Atu Moli, had been signed by the Force…..that’s another former AB crossing the ditch. Who needs a draft system???? Looks like the Chiefs seem pretty confident with their TH propping stocks, to let this bloke look elsewhere. Best wishes to Moli on this new pathway.
Cec
Roar Rookie
:laughing: I wonder what would happen if there were no salary caps. Forrest would need that to become best club in the world.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Forrest is like Homer Simpson when he coached Bart's football team. You're cut, you're cut, you're cut. cut cut cut