Super 15
Graham set to take Force reins
Scrum.com
July 2, 2010
Australia skills coach Richard Graham,Westerford High School, Cape Town, South Africa, August 4, 2009
Richard Graham will coach the Western Force from 2012 © Getty Images
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Teams: Australia | Force

Western Force assistant coach Richard Graham will take the reins at the franchise when current head coach John Mitchell steps down at the end of the 2011 season.

Graham, currently the Australia skills coach, moved to Perth in 2010 following a spell in the Premiership with Bath and Saracens. It was announced in March that Mitchell, who is currently coaching the Golden Lions Currie Cup side on a short-term basis, would step down at the close of the inaugural Super 15 season.

"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," Graham said. "I've been fortunate to have worked under five international coaches and certainly think I have done a worthy apprenticeship.

"I look forward to having another season working under John and, when my turn comes in 12 months' time, I certainly will be ready for it. John has been wonderfully supportive during 2010 and has given me increased responsibility as the season continued and I can only see that relationship developing further next season."

As a player, Graham captained Australian Sevens, represented Australia 'A' and also competed at two Commonwealth Games before beginning his coaching career. He will continue with the Australian Rugby Union as skills coach until the end of the 2011 World Cup.

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