The Western Force have filled the huge shoes left by Will Eggleston with the appointment of experienced coach Brad Harris to lead the WA side's defence.
Getting his start in Canberra, Harris served as coaching director of the Tuggeranong Vikings before transitioning into his first head coaching role of the ACT Brumby Runners, also coaching the Australian Barbarians.
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An NRC alumni, Harris coached the University of Canberra Vikings to their first grand final in 2015.
Harris has since enjoyed multiple stints overseas, working as forwards coach for Georgia for three years, before spending five years in the Fijian Rugby program, working with the Flying Fijians, the U20 side, the Fijian Drua and the Fiji Sevens.
He was part of the coaching staff that took the Drua to two successive finals in Super Rugby Pacific, and also was part of the staff that took the Flying Fijians to the quarter finals at the 2023 Men's Rugby World Cup.
Harris would replicate his finals achievement when he joined the Melbourne Rebels in 2024 as their defence coach, being part of their maiden finals appearance.
He has since transitioned into a technical advisor role for Manusina Samoa during their 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup campaign, also working across the Australia XV program last year.
Harris' appointment comes at a perfect time for the Force, with the coach linking up with the club following the conclusion of Super Rugby AUS.
Head coach Simon Cron believes the experienced coach can bring a significant injection into the Force's defence, and hopes his addition can strike gold a third time, and get the WA side to their maiden finals appearance.
“Brad has a real passion for defence," Cron said in a statement.
"He backs that passion up with a strong technical knowledge.
“He has positive existing relationships with our playing group. There’s a number of players within our environment that he’s coached and worked with before which is important. All of those players have given glowing endorsements of him.
“Brad also brings a lot of experience which allows us to share the load within the coaching team.
“Wholistically, his philosophy is aligned with what we’re looking to do with the team. I think he’ll pick up where the team is and continue to drive high standards and expectations of the players.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Force,” Harris added in an official statement.
“First and foremost, Perth is a wonderful city and a great place to live.
“It’s been exciting talking to Simon Cron and Chris Goodman about what they’re building at the Force. I’m also excited about where this squad can go having observed the improvements in the program over the last few years and edging closer to finals.
“I’ve coached three Super Rugby campaigns with two clubs and reached the finals twice, so I’m looking forward to building on that experience here and helping this group take the next step.”
