Force poised to name new coach

Western Force will decide upon their new coach next week with Michael Cheika leading the race. [more]

Force poised to name new coach

Western Force will decide upon their new coach next week with Michael Cheika leading the race.

The Heineken Cup winning coach is available to return to Australia after leaving his post with Top 14 outfit Stade Francais.

Former Force assistant John Mulvihill, Scotland assistant Scott Johnson and ex-Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan have also been linked to the position left by Richard Graham.

"We're trying to get this done as quickly as we can, but we also know we have to make the right decision," said Force chief executive Vern Reid.

"Most of those who we've interviewed already have coaching contracts, so it would be unfair to identify them in this process."

The Perth-based Super Rugby franchise will be the first team the Lions lock horns with in Australia. They will host the Lions on June 5, 2013.

But they will not sign any new players until the new coach had been appointed.

"There's a number of players we are negotiating the financial details with, subject to the appointment of the coach and his recommendation either for or against," added Reid.

Out-of-contract skipper David Pocock appears set to quit the Force, with ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels keen to snap up the flanker.

But the Force are determined to hang on to the star Wallaby and have kept him closely in the loop about the coaching situation.

"They (Pocock and Nathan Sharpe) are not involved in speaking with the candidates, but they're aware and they're supportive of who we've interviewed," added Reid.

"We've been in very earnest discussions with David for a long time.

"We're aware of his immediate aims and we're very astutely trying to accommodate his wishes. We're certainly doing everything we possibly can to keep him in Perth."
 

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