Western Force Super W head coach Dylan Parsons has earned an opportunity to develop his coaching skills on a six-month sabbatical with reigning Japanese champions Yokohama TKM.
In a sign of the Force’s links with Japan, the two clubs have agreed to the deal which will see Parsons work as an assistant coach among the Yokohama TKM for the upcoming season.
Parsons will initially link up with Yokohama TKM in September, ahead of the 2026-27 All-Japan Women's Rugby Football Championship which runs in November 2026 to February 2027.
In Parsons’ absence, the Force’s Super W assistant coaches Dwayne Grace, Martin Asiata and Chris Heiberg and local Premier Grade coaches will play important roles during the upcoming North vs South Women’s Series in September and October.
The Force assistants will continue to be involved in the women’s program, ahead of training commencing later this year to continue the athletic development and core skills of the Western Force Women’s players.
For Parsons, the opportunity to work in a foreign country with a different style of rugby, new players and language barriers will aid and enhance his own development.
Force female high performance and pathways manager Claudia Bell said: “We’re thrilled for Dylan and fully supportive of this invaluable opportunity for him to continue to improve himself as a coach.
“We believe this sabbatical will help Dylan develop his communication and leadership skills, but also broaden his horizons to different styles, players and methods of coaching.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for him and his young family, coming at an opportune time for our program during the Super W off-season, before players return for a athletic development block and core rugby skills focus at the end of the year."
