The Western Force are thrilled to announce assistant coaches Will Eggleston and Mark Ozich have followed head coach Simon Cron in penning contract extensions to remain at the Club until at least 2025.
Defence coach Eggleston joined the Force in August 2022 shortly after Cron’s arrival, with the Englishman having worked alongside him at both Toyota Verblitz in Japan and Northern Suburbs in the NSW Shute Shield.
Attacks coach Ozich first linked up with the Force in September 2021, having previously had success in his native New Zealand, leading the Hawke’s Bay Magpies to Mitre 10 Cup Championship Division and Ranfurly Shield titles in 2020 as head coach.
Earlier this week, the Force reaffirmed their confidence and commitment in Cron with a two-year contract extension, with the deals for Eggleston and Cron underlining the Club’s belief in the current coaching staff.
Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said: “We’re delighted to extend the contracts of Mark and Will, who have proved to be invaluable additions to our coaching team since their arrivals with their diligence, tactical nous and strong communication.
“Mark is a great educator and communicator around the group which is great for the culture. Will is diligent, tactically strong and very approachable which only benefits the players.
“Reaffirming their commitment alongside head coach Simon Cron earlier this week, who extended his contract until 2026, shows that we’re fully behind the direction our coaching staff are taking this team as we strive to take the step to the next level.”
Eggleston said he was committed to the Force playing group and seeing them evolve to the next level.
“I want to play a part in helping guide these guys,” Eggleston said. “The group all know where we want to go. It’s about continuing to develop our systems and structures to help them succeed. If we stay where we are at the moment, we’re not going to get to where we want to go.
“We want to keep this group together to create Wallabies where they’re hitting their peak at the same time and getting gold jerseys.
“My partner and I love Perth. When you leave this building, you realise you’re representing the whole of WA which I love.”
Ozich said he was pleased to extend his stay with the Force for a number of reasons.
“From a professional point of view, going into my third year with the Club we’re building a good program and a good roster,” Ozich said.
“The relationship between the coaching staff and the players is very positive, and given the chance to extend my stay for a few more years, I’m looking forward to that opportunity and challenge. I feel that the Force is on the up and the longer we keep this core group of players and coaches together the results will follow.
“My wife, kids and dogs are really settled here, they love Perth so it was a no-brainer.”
The Force open their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season on Friday 23 February against the Hurricanes at HBF Park from 7pm. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.
