PERTH — Former Australia cricket coach Mickey Arthur is in preliminary talks with Super Rugby's Western Force for a position in talent development and recruitment. The club confirmed Wednesday that Arthur, who is good friends with Force coach and former Australia hooker Michael Foley, has been in discussions with team management. Arthur, who was fired as Australia coach in June — just two weeks ahead of the Ashes series — and reached a settlement on his unfair dismissal claim, has remained in Perth and is athletic director at a private school. Arthur helped the Perth team sign flyhalf Sias Ebersohn from the Cheetahs last year. — AP
