The Western Force have secured their coaching staff for 2019 with the appointment of Steve Meehan as Defence Coach.
Meehan will join the Force next week after working as Backs Coach for Japanese Top League side, the Kintetsu Liners since 2017 and French Top 14 side Toulon prior to that.
The 53-year-old began his career in Queensland before being appointed as assistant coach at Stade Français and also had a short run as the Force’s Attacks Coach in 2013.
Head Coach Tim Sampson said he is looking forward to working Meehan and the experience that he can bring to the club.
“I previously coached under Steve and was impressed by not only his knowledge and application but how he managed and communicated to the players,” Sampson said.
“We have players within our current squad who have been coached by Steve previously and they are looking forward to Steve commencing.
“Steve has a wealth of experience and has previously coached worldwide in elite competitions in the English Premiership with Bath, the French Top 14 with Toulon, Super Rugby with the Western Force and Queensland Reds and more recently in the Japan Top League with the Kintetsu Liners.”
Despite coming from an attacks background, Sampson believes Meehan will bring some fresh ideas to the Force’s defence.
“I look forward to coaching alongside Steve and although Steve has coached at a high level through an attacking set of eyes, he no doubt has his finger on the pulse with how different Defence systems can be applied,” Sampson said.
“As an attack coach you are constantly analysing how to break down defensive systems, so I am sure he will bring some fresh ideas to the club.”
The Western Force kick-off their campaign against Robbie Deans World XV on Friday, March 22 at HFB Park.
