‘World-class coach’ and Olympian James Stannard joins Force

Olympian James Stannard will embark on a new coaching journey after taking up a position with the Western Force. The 2010 Australian Sevens Player of the Year returns to the 15-player format as an assistant coach ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

Standard’s decorated playing career started out west with the Force in 2008. The halfback enjoyed stints with the club that year and again in 2011-12, as well as some time with traditional Super Rugby powerhouse the ACT Brumbies in 2009-10.

But, the Australian will go down in history as one of the nation’s best to have ever taken to the rugby sevens field. Stannard was a general for that team over many years, which saw the playmaker serve as a key player for Team Australia at the historic 2016 Rio Olympics.

After moving into coaching in 2018, the one-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist took up different roles within the Australian men’s and women’s sevens teams, including a position as the Australian Elite Sevens Teams coach.

Standard also worked at the postponed Tokyo Olympics and the Paris Games earlier this year. As an assistant coach of HSBC SVNS Series overall champions Australia, Stannard was involved when the Aussie women’s side fell short of an Olympic medal in heartbreaking fashion.

But an opportunity to move back into 15s proved too good to turn down. Before the 41-year-old arrives in Perth next week to commence pre-season, the Force’s General Manager of Rugby explained why Stannard is a great addition to the team’s coaching ranks.

“We’re thrilled to have ‘Chucky’ come on board,” Force General Manager of Rugby, Chris Goodman, said in a statement. “He’s a well-respected, world-class coach who will bring a lot to our set-up.

“He’s achieved and experienced a lot in rugby sevens including going to two Olympic Games and brings fantastic coaching skills and knowledge which will greatly benefit the group. His desire to coach in the 15s game has led him back to Super Rugby.

“We’re striving to be leaders within Australian rugby and this appointment is geared towards that.

“We’re also delighted to bring a former Force player back within our set-up which is part of the culture piece that we’re building within our four walls.

“We look forward to welcoming him and his wife Kim and twin daughters Layla and Zara to the Force family.”

The Western Force have been busy in the off-season with Stannard joining some quality players by making the move to Perth. Wallabies Dylan Pietsch, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Darcy Swain headline the new additions to the squad for 2025.

Backrowers Nick Champion de Crespigny and Vaiolini Ekuasi have signed on, as has young lock Josh Thompson. Former Reds outside Mac Grealy – who scored two tries in an exhibition against Warren Gatland’s Wales in July – is another marquee recruit.

Midfielder Sio Tomkinson, Australia U20s star Divad Palu, and internationally capped duo Nic Dolly and Matt Proctor will also look to make an impact. It’s an exciting group that has left Stannard itching to start later this month.

“The people excite me,” Stannard said. “I’m excited about the chance to work with Crono and the coaching team. I’ve got good relationships with them.

“I’m excited about the squad they’re building too. They’re a group that’s ready to prove something. That’s exciting.

“I’m excited to be part of a program which can make some big gains in the next couple of years and do something we’ve not done before.

“The Force gave me my first shot as a player,” he added. “After all these years, the Force have again given me my first shot in 15s as a coach, so it’s come full circle.

“My role will have a focus on core skills, to sharpen up catch-pass, attacking breakdown and kicking strategy. This was my main role in rugby sevens, offering a broad range of skills which I’m keen to apply at the Force.

“I can’t wait to get over there, get my hands dirty, support the staff and reach our goals for 2025.”