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Foley takes over at Western Force
ESPN Staff
August 1, 2012
Head coach Michael Foley watches on, NSW Waratahs training session, McKay Oval, Sydney, Australia, November 3, 2011
Michael Foley is set to move to the Force © Getty Images
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Michael Foley has been announced as the next coach of the Western Force just 24 hours after quitting his post at the Waratahs.

Foley will take over at the Perth-based Super Rugby club from 2013 on a three-year contract. The 45-year-old replaces Richard Graham at the Force after leading the Waratahs to their worst season since joining the Super Rugby competition.

The former Wallabies hooker, who represented Australia at two World Cups, says he is excited to make the next step in his coaching career.

"This is an important period for the club and while we're not looking to start from scratch, we're looking to relaunch the team," Foley said.

"There's no doubt the club has had a few setbacks in recent times but there are many people at the club, both on and off the field, that are very determined to see the Force successful. While my expectations are realistic, I'm very excited about this challenge.

"Looking from afar it's clear to see the Force has an outstanding supporter base and we'll be doing what we can to not only engage with the supporters, but ensure they remain proud of their team - and part of this is working towards success with our fans.

"It's my role to set up a program that builds towards success. The coaching staff will be looking to promote an exciting brand of rugby that captures the imagination of our fans and wins games as well. To that end, we will be looking to recruit an attacking coach with a record of producing that style of game.

"I want our fans to be excited about the style of footy we're playing and keen to be a part of the club. We need to be playing this brand of rugby to assist the club with our recruitment, retention and development, and we'll be working hard to ensure that the Force is a club that people are proud of and where players want to play."

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