Western Force lure Japan-based coach to Perth

Simon Cron has finally landed at a Super Rugby club with the Japan-based coach to take the reins at Western Force.

Cron has signed a two-year deal with the Perth outfit, replacing Tim Sampson at the end of this season.

The nephew of All Blacks scrum guru Mike Cron, the young coach had been linked to both the NSW Waratahs and Brumbies in recent years but timing worked against him.

The top players in the Women’s Six Nations

The top players in the Women’s Six Nations

He is presently coach at Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, where he was recruited and mentored by former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who is the club’s director of rugby.

Apart from working in Japan, Cron was coach of Australia’s under-20 team, Waratahs assistant, coached the Sydney Rays in the NRC and was a premiership-winning coach of Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.

Western Force owner, billionaire mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, said Cron had an eye for talent and player development.

“Simon is one of world rugby’s most talented young coaches whose philosophy is to make better rugby players, both on and off the field,” Forrest said.

“Simon’s leadership and technical knowledge of the game will be welcomed by the player and coaching team at the Force, as it builds to be a true powerhouse in world rugby.

Cron said he was impressed by the Force’s vision and ambition, backed by Forrest.

“Andrew Forrest took time out of his extremely busy schedule to talk with me around his family’s love of the Western Force and how it is a key part of the Western Australian sporting community,” Cron said.

“I see the Western Force as a club which has fought through adversity and come out the other side because of a genuine love of rugby within the organisation and its amazing supporters.”