The Western Force are thrilled to confirm the appointment of the well-credentialed James Stannard to bolster the Club’s coaching staff for the Super Rugby Pacific squad.
Stannard will take up the new role of assistant coach – skills as further support for the playing group ahead of the 2025 season.
The 41-year-old, who is a former Force player, most recently worked as assistant coach of the Australia women’s rugby sevens team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Stannard moved into coaching in 2018, taking up a variety of roles within the Australian men’s and women’s rugby sevens set-ups, including as the Australian Elite Sevens Teams coach and working at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
During his playing days, Stannard was a half-back who played 29 Super Rugby games for the Force across two stints in 2008 and then 2011-2012, along with the ACT Brumbies (2009-2010).
He had a decorated career in rugby sevens, including playing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and being named the 2010 Australian Sevens Player of the Year.
Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman said Stannard would be a fantastic addition and offer a further resource to the playing group.
“We’re thrilled to have ‘Chucky’ come on board,” Goodman said. “He’s a well-respected, world class coach who will bring a lot to our set-up.
“He’s achieved and experienced a lot in rugby sevens including going to two Olympic Games and brings fantastic coaching skills and knowledge which will greatly benefit the group. His desire to coach in the 15s game has led him back to Super Rugby.
“We’re striving to be leaders within Australian rugby and this appointment is geared towards that.
“We’re also delighted to bring a former Force player back within our set-up which is part of the culture piece that we’re building within our four walls.
“We look forward to welcoming him and his wife Kim and twin daughters Layla and Zara to the Force family.”
Stannard said he was drawn to the Force by the people at the Club.
“The people excite me,” Stannard said. “I'm excited about the chance to work with Crono and the coaching team. I’ve got good relationships with them.
“I’m excited about the squad they’re building too. They’re a group that’s ready to prove something. That’s exciting.
“I’m excited to be part of a program which can make some big gains in the next couple of years and do something we’ve not done before.”
Stannard was excited about the challenge of moving into the 15-player game and, as a former Force player, was thrilled with the opportunity in the west.
“The Force gave me my first shot as a player,” he said. “After all these years, the Force have again given me my first shot in 15s as a coach, so it’s come full circle.
“My role will have a focus on core skills, to sharpen up catch-pass, attacking breakdown and kicking strategy. This was my main role in rugby sevens, offering a broad range of skills which I’m keen to apply at the Force.
“I can’t wait to get over there, get my hands dirty, support the staff and reach our goals for 2025.”
Stannard will arrive in Perth next week to commence in his role as the Force pre-season ramps up, with the squad having returned to training last week.
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
