Super Rugby Pacific: Simon Cron set to replace Tim Sampson as Western Force’s head coach

David Skippers 28 Mar 2022 7:03 AM

The Western Force have announced that they have appointed Simon Cron as their new head coach from the end of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Cron has signed a two-year contract with the Perth-based outfit and takes over the coaching reins from Tim Sampson, who has held the head coach position since 2018.

Talented coach

“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,” said Western Force owner Andrew Forrest via a press statement.

“It is his dedication to values, player wellbeing and growth, as well as his respected coaching ability, that we are really looking forward to at the Force.

“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.

“A huge thanks to Tim Sampson for his great and tireless role in bringing the Force back into Super Rugby. He has been a true champion of the club. Nicola and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his rugby coaching career.”

Cron is currently in charge of Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s Rugby League One competition where they are in fifth position in the 12-team tournament after 10 rounds.

New Zealander Cron, who is the nephew of former All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron, was previously involved at the Waratahs where he served as an assistant coach and also coached Australia‘s U20 side.

“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,” he said.

“We had an opportunity to talk about what is important to each of us and it was clear he lives by the values he has installed into his businesses.

“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, the Sea of Blue.

“I look forward to working with the players, coaches and staff to develop a team that will inspire the next generation of Western Australian boys and girls to want to play rugby, as well as help those currently playing to grow within our game. I also look forward to helping shape a team the Sea of Blue and all of Western Australia can be mighty proud of.”

Sampson has played a key role in the Force’s resurgence following their Super Rugby exit at the end of the 2017 campaign and guided them to their first play-offs appearance in last year’s Super Rugby AU tournament.

“The Western Force’s success and resurgence back into Super Rugby is testimony to the leadership and support from Andrew and Nicola Forrest, along with fellow staff and players who have contributed in many ways since my arrival at the commencement of the 2018 season,” said Sampson.

“My focus hasn’t changed. We are determined to achieve success and perform well for the remainder of the season.”

Australia