The Western Force is thrilled to announce a contract extension for the Club’s Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s head coach Dylan Parsons for a further two years.
The contract extension comes after an unprecedented period of success for the Force in Super W since Parsons took charge in October 2023, with the side qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Force has forged into new territory in Australian women’s rugby, with Parsons pioneering a programme to take the team to the next level, instilling the Maali DNA which underlines the team’s culture.
The side’s success has also led to individual growth represented by several players earning Wallaroos call-ups and debuts over the past two years, including Sammy Wood, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Alapeta Ngauamo.
Ngamihi Monk, Nicole Ledington, Grace Freeman and Brooklyn Teki Joyce were newcomers among this week’s Wallaroos camp too.
Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said the extension was reward for the work Parsons has done during his tenure.
O’Connor said: “We’re delighted to extend Dylan as our Super W head coach. His passion and drive to lead this programme into the semi-professional era have been exceptional, and he’s been instrumental in pushing our ‘Be the First’ ambition in the women’s space.
“In just a short time, he’s guided the team to back-to-back finals, supported the emergence of multiple new Wallaroos, and helped strengthen the Maali anchoring this group in pride, purpose, and what it means to represent Western Australia.
“Dylan has grown with the programme, and we’re pleased to keep investing in his leadership as we continue to set new benchmarks for women’s rugby in Australia.”
Parsons was delighted to re-commit to the Force, listing off a number of motivating factors in pursuit of “unfinished business” with the current playing group.
Parsons said: “I’m excited about the ambition of the club and the actions of the Club to back it up with genuine investment. It’s fantastic to be part of something progressive which keeps developing the women’s programme and leading the way in Australia.
“This club is home to me and that’s important. We’re in a strong position to take WA women’s rugby to the next level which motivates me.
“There’s been really good signs of progress over the past two seasons with the team making finals. We do have unfinished business and this group has so much more potential to grow, which was another reason to re-sign.
“One of the big reasons I coach is to see individual growth, both as players and people, and it’s been fulfilling to see individuals progress over the past few years through the WA pathway into Super W and achieving their goals at international level with the Wallaroos.”
