01/09/2026
WESTS EXTEND ELWEE PRINSLOO AS PREMIER GRADE HEAD COACH FOR 2027
Wests Rugby is pleased to announce Elwee Prinsloo as Premier Grade Head Coach for the 2027 season, continuing a period of sustained success and development within the club’s rugby program.
Prinsloo has been part of six consecutive Premier Grade finals campaigns, the first as an Assistant Coach and the past five as Head Coach. During his five seasons leading Premier Grade, Wests has reached four Grand Finals and secured a Premiership, establishing him as the most successful Premier Grade coach in the club’s history. While results at Premier Grade level remain an important measure of the program, the continued development of players and strengthening of the pathway from Colts into senior rugby has been equally significant.
In 2026, five players from the 2025 Colts cohort progressed to Premier Grade, while a further five current Colts players were part of the Premier Grade Grand Final squad. A number of other current and graduating Colts gained valuable Reserve Grade experience throughout the season and finals campaign. This progression reflects Wests’ commitment to creating genuine opportunities for young players while recognising the performance demands of Premier Grade rugby. The program continues to focus on the balance between developing players internally, retaining talent and selectively recruiting players who add value to the environment. Premier and Reserve Grade operate as one integrated squad, with 2026 marking the first time in the club’s history that both teams progressed to their respective Grand Finals in the same season, another important step in building greater depth and alignment across the senior program.
The 2027 season will continue that evolution, with a strong focus on developing Wests players, strengthening the Colts-to-senior pathway and maintaining the standards required to consistently compete at the top end of Queensland Premier Rugby.
- Michael Cross - Club President -
