New face: David Wessels

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• Western Force

Western Force have announced the signing of leading Defence Consultant David Wessels ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Wessels previously held the same position with the Stormers and Brumbies. During his time with the Stormers (2008-2009) he helped establish a tough defensive culture within the Cape Town side, while his time with the Brumbies last season saw them concede the fewest points in the Australian conference and the second least in the Super Rugby competition.

Wessels has also held the role of Assistant Coach for Ikeys (University of Cape Town) in South Africa's Varsity Cup for three seasons, during a time that saw them qualify for the play-offs in 2009, finish runners-up in 2010 before defeating Tuks (University of Pretoria), 26-16, in the competition final in 2011.

Head Coach Michael Foley says Wessels' appointment continues the Western Force's focus on quality recruitment.

"When we were assembling our coaching staff, we placed an emphasis on engaging experts with a record in getting results - and this certainly extends to David," he said.

"David has produced excellent results through his work with the Stormers and Brumbies. The Stormers have been regarded as one of the benchmark defensive units over a number of years while the Brumbies' success last season was on the back of a very tight defence.

"While we want to be playing dynamic and up-tempo rugby with the ball, we need to have complete faith in our defensive systems, which we believe is something David can provide."

Wessels joins Foley on an Western Force coaching panel that already features former Bath coach Steve Meehan (Backs/Attack Coach), two-time Rugby World Cup-winning strategist Phillip 'Chook' Fowler (Rugby Strategist) and former Wallaby front-rower and incumbent Forwards Coach, Nick Stiles.

Wessels joined the Force for his first session with the squad this week.