New Western Force head coach Richard Graham has made his first appointment, with Charlie Higgins lured to the Super 15 club as head strength and conditioning coach.

Higgins, who is currently at UK club Bath, has spent the past eight years developing players in Australia, Japan and England, including a four-year stint at the Waratahs.

He replaces Haydn Masters, who left the Force for Japan at the end of last season.

Higgins will have his work cut out for him after the Force's injury-hit campaign last season, which saw key players Cameron Shepherd, David Pocock, Richard Brown and marquee Andre Pretorius spend lengthy periods on the sidelines.

"Charlie is a quality person who expects a high level of discipline and is able to get the best out of the group he is working with," Graham said.

"He comes highly recommended by some very good judges.

"The fact that Charlie's knowledge base has been built across a number of top tier rugby competitions in several countries is extremely beneficial.

"He clearly understands the various demands of each environment he has worked in and we look forward to him incorporating fresh ideas and continuing to evolve our already outstanding strength and conditioning program.

"There is a significant focus on the strength and conditioning aspect in the modern day game and I firmly believe that we have exceptional expertise and know how in that area and Charlie's appointment will further improve the great results we already generate."

Higgins will work alongside Force assistant strength and conditioning coach Brendyn Appleby and a medical team that includes senior physiotherapist Rob Naish and doctor Mark de Cruz.

Higgins will join the Force in early November following the birth of his second child in October.

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