Western Force coach joins Japan champions on six-month sabbatical

Western Force Super Rugby Women’s coach Dylan Parsons has been granted a six-month sabbatical to join Yokohama TKM, linking up with the reigning All-Japan Women’s Rugby Football champions ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Parsons will work as an assistant coach during the upcoming season, which runs from November to February. Yokohama will look to repeat last season’s historic title-winning efforts, having been crowned champions for the first time.

Force assistant coaches Dwayne Grace, Martin Asiata and Chris Heiberg will continue to work during a busy period ahead, with the latest edition of the North vs South Women’s Series taking place in September and October.

But for Parsons, it’s an exciting opportunity for the coach to get experience with a different rugby team overseas, as Yokohama look to build off the 21-12 Grand Final win over Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars last season.

“We’re thrilled for Dylan and fully supportive of this invaluable opportunity for him to continue to improve himself as a coach,” Force female high performance and pathways manager Claudia Bell said.

“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 an athletic development block and core rugby skills focus at the end of the year.”

Force assistant coaches Grace, Asiata and Heiberg will also been involved when the women’s program gets back underway later this year, as players look to work on their skills and development.

Before then, the seven Women’s Premier Grade clubs have been split into north and south regions. The North vs South Women’s Series kicks off on September 26 at Southern Lions RUFC, before matches at Nedlands RUFC and UWA Rugby Club.