JOE BARAKAT JOINS THE WESTERN FORCE
The Western Force would like to confirm that current Ulster Rugby Assistant Coach, Joe Barakat, will be joining the West Australian club next season.
Barakat has coached at Ulster for the past two seasons and has primarily been responsible for defensive strategy and the contact zone.
He previously coached at the Waratahs in Sydney and had a five-year spell in Japan, while he has also held roles with the Australian U21 side and with the Fijian Rugby Union.
Joe’s final game working with Ulster will be the European Champions Cup Round Four trip to ASM Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, 18th December, before heading home to Australia.
Commenting on his decision, Barakat said that he thoroughly enjoyed his time at Ulster, but is looking forward to the opportunity that the Western Force brings.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank Ulster Rugby, and particularly Les (Kiss), for the opportunity to come here and be involved in such a fantastic organisation. I can’t speak highly enough of the coaching group and the players here at Ulster – there is so much talent and ambition here and that will only lead to positive things in the future.
“My wife and I have been lucky enough to call Belfast home for the past 16 months – it’s a brilliant city and we have made some great friends in that time. So I’d like to thank the wonderful supporters and the wider public for their support since my arrival.
“This opportunity with the Western Force is a chance for me to take on a senior position at a Super Rugby franchise, while also bringing me back closer to my family, having spent a long time away from home.
“Until I leave in December I will be fully committed to the Ulster cause and will do everything in my power to ensure that we are well-placed going into the business end of the season.”
Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, who was instrumental in bringing Barakat to Ulster, said that while Barakat’s leaving is a major loss he wishes him the very best in his future endeavors.
“I have known Joe for a long time and, as expected, he has done a tremendous job for Ulster Rugby since his arrival. He has provided coaches and players alike with a fresh insight and perspective into the game, which has really added value to our rugby program, from the Academy and under-age structures up to the senior squad.
“At the outset, Joe and I had an understanding that we would consider any options that became available to him and I can understand how appealing this role is for a number of reasons. It is an enhanced position within the coaching structure and allows him to return to Australia after seven years away from his family.
“We wish him every success in his new role and we know that in his remaining months with us he will be working hard to help the team be as competitive as possible in both the Guinness PRO12 and European Champions Cup.”
Western Force Head Coach Dave Wessels says he is thrilled to have Barakat on board next year.
“We would like to sincerely thank Ulster for their professionalism in this time,” he said. “I speak for the whole organisation when I say we are incredibly excited to have Joe Barakat at the club next season.”
Joe Barakat:
Head Coach: Junior Waratahs and Academy – 2005 – 2010
Forwards Set Piece and Defence Coach: Fiji Rugby Union – 2009 – 2010
Assistant Coach (Forwards and Defence): NTT Communications Shining Arcs: 2010 –2012
Forwards Coach: Toshiba – 2012 – 2015
Assistant Coach: Ulster Rugby – 2015 – Present
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