Foley dumped as Force coach

Perth - Struggling Super Rugby side, the Force, on Thursday parted ways with coach Michael Foley after a poor season which has left them last in the Australian Conference.

The decision comes just weeks after the Australian Rugby Union formed an alliance with the Perth-based team to run the franchise, which has battled financial problems stemming from poor results.

Foley departs with a year left on his contract.

"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," said RugbyWA chief Mark Sinderberry.

"We would have liked to have had more success during this time but the Western 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," he added.

Foley took the reins in late 2012 but failed to reach the finals in his four seasons in charge.

The Force are currently bottom of the Australian conference with just 12 points from 12 games.

They lag third from bottom in the overall standings ahead of only Japanese newcomers the Sunwolves and South Africa's Southern Kings.