Western Force Women's coach Dylan Parsons heads to Japan champions Yokohama TKM on six-month sabbatical

Western Force Super Rugby Women’s coach Dylan Parsons will spend the next six months with Yokohama TKM in Japan, linking up with the reigning All-Japan Women’s Rugby Football champions ahead of their 2026/27 campaign. The Force confirmed the sabbatical arrangement, which will see Parsons serve as an assistant coach during a season that runs from November through to February.

Yokohama claimed their first-ever title last season, defeating Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars 21-12 in the Grand Final, and will look to defend that crown with Parsons contributing to their coaching staff.

Force female high performance and pathways manager Claudia Bell expressed the organisation’s full backing for the move. “We’re thrilled for Dylan and fully supportive of this invaluable opportunity for him to continue to improve himself as a coach,” Bell said. “We believe this sabbatical will help Dylan develop his communication and leadership skills, but also broaden his horizons to different styles, players and methods of coaching. It’s an exciting opportunity for him and his young family, coming at an opportune time for our program during the Super W off-season.”

In Parsons’ absence, Force assistant coaches Dwayne Grace, Martin Asiata and Chris Heiberg will oversee a busy domestic period. The North vs South Women’s Series gets underway on September 26 at Southern Lions RUFC, with further matches scheduled at Nedlands RUFC and UWA Rugby Club, before the seven Women’s Premier Grade clubs conclude the series in October.

Grace, Asiata and Heiberg will also be involved when the women’s program resumes later in the year, with players set to undertake an athletic development block and core rugby skills focus before the new season begins.