The Western Force have appointed Simon Thomas as head of performance.
Widely known as one of the top strength and conditioning directors in the world, Thomas curated his success at the Crusaders. Leading the performance department over five seasons resulting in three Super Rugby Titles in 2017, 2018, 2019 and s Super Rugby Aotearoa title in 2020.
A move to the Texan AG’s in 2021, saw Thomas head the athletic program for two seasons. Crafting players physical prowess, turning off-field grit into on-field triumph, here Thomas along with the newly formed coaching staff transformed a near winless season into a qualifying final team.
Starting his role remotely from Japan where he is overseeing the Panasonic Wild Knights program, a brief trip to the West this week launched vital player and staff relationships.
“People is where success comes from. My first couple of days have been spent getting to know the players, what makes them tick, and understanding how I can be most useful to each player. I won’t determine what that extra ingredient is for each individual until I am on the ground every day analysing pre-season training,” Thomas admitted.
“There are already some solid foundations established here at the Force. I’m delighted with the quality of performance and medical staff, their energy and attention to detail is going to allow me to be more effective in my role leading the performance department”
Having known head coach, Simon Cron in New Zealand, Thomas is confident in Cron’s direction and progression for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
“Cron and I are both on the same path of building something sustainable. We have similar goals of wanting the organisation to produce the most players and staff at a national level,” Thomas affirmed.
Cron attests Thomas in having an innate ability to unearth physical potential and push players beyond previous standpoints.
“ST [Simon Thomas] is one of the best in the industry, he is a great addition to our staff, he adds a level of performance and expectation of our playing group,” Cron asserted.
“The high level of expectation will push our players to their highest capacity. He will individualise programs so we get the best out of each player, modifying each program depending on what he sees in players and their capabilities.”
Thomas will join the team in Japan on the pre-season two-match series against the Urayasu D-Rocks starting November 4.
