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As a long-time member of the TWF forum, constant reader but only occasional contributor I feel forced to speak up now.
Dave Wessel’s has signed to coach the Rebels for the next 2 years, - we all know this now. He is probably going to take many of the players, support and coaching staff with him. It has saddened me to read some of the comments criticizing him.
I too have felt the utter despair, despondency, anger, betrayal and sense of vengeance following the ARU’s decision to revoke the Force’s Super license. I too have wanted to impose a scorched earth policy. But who are we aiming this at – hopefully not some of our own.
Dave, the players and staff at the Force have been unflinchingly loyal to the very end. And it now is the end (of the beginning). Whatever the senate enquiry finds we, the Force,will not be playing Super rugby next year. The IPC is in its infancy – so players and staff have to now start to look after their own careers and their families future psychological and financial wellbeing. How can we ask them to further sacrifice when they have given us so much? I know the Rebels were cast as our enemy by the ARU, I know there has been plenty of shanigans and probably unethical behavior by people associated with both organizations. But they too were fighting for their survival, like us through no fault of their own.
Dave Wessels has, in one year as head coach, made me believe again, gave me hope that we could succeed at Super rugby. He has stood firm, helped support and galvanize this group through an impossibly uncertain and difficult year, staying the journey in our fight. He has been loyal to the end. And readers, this is the end of this chapter. I for one do not begrudge him or the players their next move. They have given more than I feel it fair to ask. I for one wish Dave, his family and all that choose to follow him or join other Super teams all the best. Go well, go with my blessing and eternal gratitude, and know that there will always be a place for you guys in Perth – our doors and hearts will always be open to you. Now it may be time to move, but we all hope to meet again soon, and celebrate with with you all once again pulling on our beloved blue jumper so we, the Sea of Blue, can celebrate your home coming.
I appreciate there will be some of you that may disagree with me, I respect you right to do so but thank you for taking the time to read this post. Go the Force.