Rugby: Penney's name drop with Force

Canterbury's Rob Penney is said to be one of many coaches with a chance of replacing sacked Western Force coach Richard Graham after Graham announced that he would join the Queensland Reds at the end of the season.

Reports from Australia claim the Force have had more than 30 applicants who have already expressed interest in the vacant position, with local media reporting that Penney and Stade Francais boss Michael Cheika headed the bunch.

Graham was sacked as head coach with immediate effect with coaching trio Nick Stiles, Phil Blake and Andrew Scotney taking over for the rest of the season.

The change came only a few days after Graham announced his contract with the Reds for 2013 - and a "player power" meeting with CEO Vern Reid apparently saw the Force players vote for Graham's immediate departure after his decision to leave.

Despite Graham's slightly unceremonious exit, the Force have thanked him for his time in charge of the franchise while saying that the decision to change the backroom staff was made after consulting a range of stakeholders.

"The board has determined that a change to the coaching structure is for the betterment of the Western Force with still half a season to play in 2012," Reid said.

"The decision has come about after a carefully considered and consultative approach."

Meanwhile, Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported that Graham had said he would not take an active role in Queensland's recruitment while he remained coaching the Western Force - but suggested that wouldn't preclude a Ewen McKenzie-led Reds raid on Wallaby star David Pocock.

Before he was stood down with immediate effect, Graham said he would avoid conflicts of interests by leaving current Reds coach McKenzie to put together Queensland's player roster for 2013.

But, as Force captain and their star player, Pocock was apparently informed of Graham's impending move several weeks ago.

While Graham made it clear he would not talk with the off-contract flanker about his future, that didn't mean others at the Reds would do likewise - and now that he is out of the Force, Graham's gaze may well fix on Pocock now.

Though publicly declaring they're happy with Liam Gill and Beau Robinson, Queensland officials are understood to be keeping a door open for Pocock and believe they can find room in their salary cap to bring him home. Melbourne are also keen.

McKenzie was coy when asked if he was interested in Pocock: "We are well down the track on recruitment," he said. "My job is to get the best possible squad. I won't limit my discussions on who we talk to but I haven't spoken to David Pocock at all."

It is believed Pocock has not yet started negotiating with any province.

- Agencies