PERTH, Australia (AP) — Western Force has appointed South African-born Dave Wessels as head coach for the next two Super Rugby seasons.

Wessels replaces Michael Foley, who was fired in June during the club's 2016 campaign in which the Force finished last in the Australian conference with two wins in 15 matches.

At 33, he will be the youngest coach in the league.

Wessels moved to Australia as a defensive consultant to the ACT Brumbies under former South Africa coach Jake White in 2012. He joined the Force as the senior assistant coach for the 2013 season and was named interim coach after Foley was fired.

The Cape Town-born Wessels began his coaching career as a defensive coach for the Stormers in 2008 and 2009.