Super Rugby
Michael Foley extends stay as Force coach
February 9, 2015
Force coach Michael Foley wants his side to sharpen their attack in 2015
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Western Force coach Michael Foley has re-signed for a further two years, tying him to the Super Rugby franchise until the end of 2017. Senior assistant Dave Wessels and attack/backs coach Kevin Foote have also had their contracts extended until 2017.

Foley took over a Force side in turmoil when he arrived late in 2012, with the loss of skipper David Pocock and coach Richard Graham leaving the team in disarray. The Force finished 13th with just four wins and a draw to their name in Foley's first year as coach.

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But the Perth-based franchise came within a win of making the finals last season, with the harmonious team culture overseen by Foley underpinning the team's success. Although the bookies have once again written them off, the Force are aiming to secure a maiden finals berth this season.

Skipper Matt Hodgson will miss the first two months of the season due to a torn hamstring, but winger Nick Cummins is set to return in the early rounds after negotiating a loan deal back to the Force from his Japanese club.

After securing his future in Perth, Foley is also a chance to be part of Australia's coaching team at this year's World Cup. The former international hooker turned down the opportunity to coach the Wallabies' forwards during last year's northern hemisphere tour in order to concentrate on the Force. But Foley will consider linking up with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika for the World Cup.

The Force begin their Super season against defending champions NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday.

© AAP

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