Richard Graham to coach Western Force
Wallabies skills coach Richard Graham will succeed John Mitchell as coach of the Perth-based Western Force starting from the 2012 Super 15 rugby tournament.
The promotion of Graham, 37, who is currently the Force's
assistant coach, was announced on Friday by franchise chief executive
Vern Reid. Reid said Graham had made a significant contribution to
the Force since joining the team this year as Mitchell's deputy and
backs coach.
Graham is a former Queensland Reds fullback and Australian
sevens captain.
Former All Blacks coach Mitchell, who has coached the Force
since 2006, announced during this year's Super 14 that he would
step down when his current contract ended.
"Richard is an exceptional leader and rugby tactician who has a
proven ability to nurture and create an environment where players
can excel," Reid said.
"We have the utmost confidence that the
timing of Richard's appointment will enable a seamless transition
not often afforded to professional sporting organizations, and one
which will prove to be a significant benefit in our planning going
forward."
Graham said he was looking forward to having one more year under
both Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and Mitchell before beginning his
career as Force coach.
"I'm delighted to be given this opportunity and feel as though
it is the right time to be making the next step in my progression
as a professional coach," he said. "I've been fortunate to have
worked under five international coaches and certainly think I have
done a worthy apprenticeship."