The Western Force is thrilled to announce Will Eggleston as defence coach for the next two seasons.
Eggleston joins the Force from Japan Rugby League One side, Toyota Verblitz, where he was assistant coach since 2019. Eggleston worked with Director of Rugby Steve Hansen (former All Blacks Coach), and current Western Force head coach Simon Cron.
Eggleston will bring a wealth of experience to the Force following more than a decade of coaching in the Northern Hemisphere, Shute Shield, and Japan.
Stretching eight years Eggleston’s and Cron’s solid coaching combination commenced back in 2014 at the Northern Suburbs Rugby Club. Here the formidable duo lifted the club out of a 41-year drought, claiming victories in both the 2016 Shute Shield and Australian Club Championship.
General manager of rugby Matt Hodgson is pleased to be adding further depth to the coaching panel.
“What attracted us to Will was his past success working alongside Simon at Norths and Toyota, his ability to change the defensive structure and systems at Toyota was exciting,” Hodgson said.
“Will’s youthfulness, energy, and passion towards defence is infectious, not only does he look at systems and structures he also looks at tackle technique, tackle process and where individual players can improve.”
Having already met with most Force players, Eggleston is thrilled with how the current crop exude a tenacious appetite for personal and team progression.
“My initial thoughts were that they are hungry to win. They are open to new ideas and are eager to grow both as a team and as individual players, that’s what I find exciting,” Eggleston claimed.
“My aim is to bring complete clarity in each players defensive role, to instil confidence, and with that comes execution.”
Known as an approachable coach, Eggleston’s expectation for players to take initiative of their defensive development is paramount.
“We don’t accept mediocracy, through defence players demonstrate their grit. Defensive repeat efforts are the backbone of working hard for each other and for the jersey, that’s what I expect and what I will push for,” Eggleston claimed.
