Backs coach gets Force job

2 Jul 2010

Richard Graham will take over from John Mitchell as Force coach from 2012.

The 37-year-old former Queensland fullback joined the Perth-based side for the 2010 Super Rugby season as the backs coach after seven years in England at Bath and Saracens. He is also the Wallabies skills coach.

‘Richard is an exceptional leader and rugby tactician who has a proven ability to nurture and create an environment where players can excel,’ said RugbyWA chief executive Vern Reid.

‘He has already made a significant impact since arriving at the club and in tandem with John Mitchell will continue to build our young and exciting list next season before taking over in 2012.

‘We had a long list of qualified candidates, however in Richard we felt we had someone who embodied the Force culture and is committed to continuing the development of rugby in Western Australia and ultimately our aim to become Super Rugby champions.’



11 Comments

  • 1.David: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 07:22 am

    So what is Mitchel doing, if he’s no longer the coach? He hasn’t left the Force as his job with the Lions is for the CC only and the article states that Graham will work in tandem with Mitchell.

  • 2.WOLFMAN21: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 07:58 am

    @David(David)-1: Mitchell has a year longer to run on his contract at the Force, meaning in 2012 he will coach elsewhere, perhaps the Chiefs? Not the Sharks, or perhaps the Lions?

  • 3.David: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 08:13 am

    @WOLFMAN21(WOLFMAN21)-2:
    What I was querying was his position in 2011 if Graham is now coach. I doubt whether Mitchell will come back permanently to the Lions once he’s experienced how souless Ellis Park and the atmosphere around Lions rugby has become.

  • 4.iori Yagami: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 08:22 am

    @David(David)-3: You dont read well ne??

  • 5.WOLFMAN21: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 08:50 am

    @David(David)-3: I imagine Mitchell will be holding Graham’s hand.

    I think Mitchell wants to go back to New Zealand, which is fine because I reckon he is overated.

  • 6.David: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 08:55 am

    @iori Yagami(iori Yagami)-4:
    ?

  • 7.iori Yagami: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 09:30 am

    @David(David)-3: ‘What I was querying was his position in 2011 if Graham is now coach.’ He is still Head coach for 2011, Graham is backs coach until 2012.

  • 8.David: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 09:38 am

    @iori Yagami(iori Yagami)-7:
    I just realised, although I think the original story has been changed and expanded.

  • 9.iori Yagami: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 09:41 am

    @David(David)-8: Oh i see. These damn Keo journo’s.

  • 10.David: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 10:01 am

    @iori Yagami(iori Yagami)-9:
    Yeah, I thought I was still pissed from last night after I saw your post and reread the story. :lol:

  • 11.iori Yagami: Reply to this comment
    2 Jul 2010, 11:54 am

    @David(David)-10: Ja I had to re-read it a few times just to see where you went wrong!

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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