Friday Morning Round Up

Alan Gaffney joins Western Force coaching ranks

The Western Force have boosted their coaching stocks with the announcement that experienced coach Alan Gaffney will work with the club as an Attack Specialist for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

“I’ll be working with Dave (Wessels) and also with the new attack coach,” Gaffney said.

“I suppose an old bugger like me has been around the traps, and that’s not to say I’m always right, but it means as a coaching group we will be able to challenge each other.”

With almost 20 years of professional coaching experience behind him, Gaffney joins Dave Wessels’ coaching team along with current Ulster Assistant Coach Joe Barakat - who recently joined the Force for two seasons.

Ben West slapped with 6-week ban

Ben West of London Welsh appeared before an RFU Disciplinary panel on Wednesday evening (September 21), charged with acts contrary to good sportsmanship during the round three Championship fixture against Yorkshire Carnegie on September 17.

The player pleaded guilty to the charge and was given a six-week ban. He is free to play again on October 3.

North Harbour Coach joins Blues coaching team

North Harbour rugby coach Steve Jackson has been appointed as assistant coach for the Blues for next year’s Super Rugby Championship.

"Steve will fill the position of forwards coach and joins Alastair who is responsible for our defensive patterns and I will focus on our attack,” said Tana Umaga.

Jackson will join Alastair Rogers and head coach Umaga at the Blues, taking up the role at the conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup next month.

He takes up his position at the conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup with the Blues to announce the Skills Coach next week and their full squad to be named at the end of October.