Release
Van Humphries announced as Western Force Assistant Coach - Western Force
24 Mar 2018 12:45 PM
Media
release – March 24, 2018
Van
Humphries announced as Western Force Assistant Coach
Rugby union stalwart Van Humphries has joined the Western
Force as Assistant Coach.
The highly-regarded player-turned-coach will be a central
figure of the Force’s coaching team alongside Head Coach Tim Sampson and Head
of Elite Performance Matt Hodgson.
As a player Humphries was regarded as a dominant lineout
jumper and powerful lock. The Wallaby squad member’s distinguished career on
the field included eight years with the QLD Reds and two years with the NSW
Waratahs as well as terms with teams in Italy and Japan.
As a coach, he was most recently the Senior A Grade Coach
for the Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators and has previously guided Brisbane’s
Souths Rugby Club Premier Grade team and the Brisbane Boys' College GPS Schoolboys
team to on-field victories.
Humphries said he was lured West by the opportunity to become
involved at the beginning of an exciting new phase for Australian rugby union.
“We all watched what happened to the Force last year,”
Humphries said. “It was totally unprecedented, but it has resulted in this
exciting and challenging new World Series Rugby tournament and I was really
motivated to be a part of that.
“I believe this presents a new opportunity for Australian
rugby and offers a real alternative for people looking for a game that will
entertain and inspire them.
“The key to its success this year is an impressive team,
which we have. I know about half a dozen of the guys from playing and coaching
and can’t wait to get to know the rest. That this roster was assembled in such
a short timeframe is amazing. There is a really good mix of experience and some
exciting up-and-comers.”
Western Force CEO Nick Marvin welcomed Humphries to the
Force.
“Van has a dynamic coaching style which I think will be
well-received by the players and contribute to the overall culture of the
Western Force,” Marvin said.
“We are building a talented coaching team and are in good
shape to make a strong start on the field on May 4.”
- ENDS -
Media contact: Tess Ingram +61 448 922 364 [email protected]