Force coach Simon Cron signs new deal with club ‘seeing real progress’

Western Force head coach Simon Cron has signed a contract extension for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, the club confirmed on Friday. Cron has been in the role for the last three-and-a-half years, laying the foundations during a period of growth and progress.

While the Force continued to search for a maiden playoff appearance under Cron, the club has made noticeable steps forward over the years. 10 Force players represented the Wallabies during the 2025 season, including club captain Jeremy Williams.

Williams is one of multiple Force players who have debuted for the Wallabies since linking up with the Force. Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Harry Potter and Hamish Stewart have also realised international rugby dreams since heading west at club level.

Cron is a well-respected coach within Australian rugby, with multiple Force recruits speaking of the coach’s influence when signing with the side. The New Zealander led Australia A to a huge win over a Japan XV last October, and was part of the AUNZ Invitational XV coaching staff.

“We’re delighted to confirm Simon Cron’s extension through to 2027,” Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said in a statement.

“This decision is grounded in stability and continuity, which we see as incredibly important for our Club and rugby in Western Australia, particularly as we head into a World Cup cycle.

“Over the past three-and-a-half years, Simon and the broader rugby program have worked incredibly hard to evolve this Club from the Global Rapid Rugby period into a competitive Super Rugby environment capable of genuinely competing week-to-week.

“A huge amount of work has gone into building the foundations that sit underneath performance in particular our squad, staff, systems, standards, culture and overall environment. Those things take time and consistency to build properly for long-term sustainability.

“As a Club, we believe strongly in backing the plan and the people who have helped put those foundations in place. High performance growth is rarely linear, but we are seeing real progress in the competitiveness and cohesion of the group.

“The development of our Wallabies contingent is a strong example of that, with players like Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Hamish Stewart and Jeremy Williams all growing their games and launching international careers within our environment.

“The recent intended extension to a long-term Super Rugby Participation Agreement has also given the Club greater stability off the field, which is important for our players, staff and wider program.

“Continuity is really important in professional sport. It matters for recruitment, retention, player development and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.

“We’re determined to continue backing what we’ve built and maintain that stability as we continue pushing towards something significant for this Club and our community with the Force now in a position to achieve something historic as we chase our maiden Super Rugby finals appearance.”

The Force are not out of the finals race just yet this season, still in with a chance as they look ahead to their first of three consecutive home matches. Australian rivals the Queensland Reds visit Perth’s HBF for a round 14 showdown on Saturday.

With the Force currently siting 10^th on the ladder, every match is a must-win in a bid to play finals football. They host the Fijian Drua and the NSW Waratahs during the final two rounds of the season, with those sides looking to remain in the playoff picture themselves.

The Force defeated Moana Pasifika 35-19 in February, and have also claimed wins over the Reds, Crusaders and NSW Waratahs. Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch and Williams have been among the standouts during the season to date.

“There’s been a huge amount of work done over the past three-and-a-half years to build the environment, standards and culture within the Club,” Cron said.

“A lot of that work happens behind the scenes, but it’s important work if you want to build a program that can sustain success over time.

“There’s a really strong feel within this playing group at the moment. The connection between the players and staff is strong and there’s genuine belief within the environment.

“Now it’s about continuing to keep that group together, maintaining continuity and cohesion, and driving consistent performances week in and week out.

“With 2027 being a World Cup year, stability becomes even more important. We’ve got a number of players with genuine Wallabies aspirations and our role as coaches is to create the best possible environment for them to grow and perform at that level.

“When it came to extending, there’s definitely a sense of unfinished business. We’ve worked hard to put strong foundations in place and there’s a real belief about where this group can go.

“There’s also a deep connection and loyalty to the players and staff who have committed so much to building this Club. Everyone here is incredibly driven to achieve success together and that’s what continues to motivate and excite me.”