The Force have announced the departure of Michael Foley from his role as head coach with immediate effect.

Assistant coach Dave Wessels, from South Africa, will take over as caretaker coach until a new head coach is appointed for the 2017 season.

Foley has been in charge of the side since taking over from Richard Graham in 2012, and led them to their best Super Rugby finish in 2014 where they ended eighth overall.

‘Michael is a fine coach and has done a good job in his four years with the team considering some of the obvious challenges he’s faced,’ RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said. ‘We would have liked to have had more success during this time, but the Force also had its most successful season under Michael in 2014.

‘With the team out of contention for finals, it was appropriate timing for both parties to look to the future and that’s why we have agreed to part ways.’

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