Barakat has cut short a two-year deal with Irish club Ulster to link up with the Force as forwards coach under new head coach Dave Wessels.

He will stay with Ulster until December then move to Perth in the lead up to the 2017 Super Rugby season.

The 53-year-old has spent the past six years abroad and held assistant coaching roles with Toshiba in Japan and with Fiji.

His last job in Australia was a five-year stint with the Waratahs, coaching their academy side. Before that he spent four years with Sydney club West Harbour.

Barakat thanked Ulster head coach and former Waratahs defence coach Les Kiss for his time in Ireland.

"I can't speak highly enough of the coaching group and the players here at Ulster - there is so much talent and ambition here and that will only lead to positive things in the future," he said.

"My wife and I have been lucky enough to call Belfast home for the past 16 months - it's a brilliant city and we have made some great friends in that time. So I'd like to thank the wonderful supporters and the wider public for their support since my arrival.

"This opportunity with the Western Force is a chance for me to take on a senior position at a Super Rugby franchise, while also bringing me back closer to my family, having spent a long time away from home.

"Until I leave in December I will be fully committed to the Ulster cause and will do everything in my power to ensure that we are well-placed going into the business end of the season."

Kiss, who recruited Barakat to Ulster, wished his friend the best.

"I have known Joe for a long time and, as expected, he has done a tremendous job for Ulster Rugby since his arrival," Kiss said.

"He has provided coaches and players alike with a fresh insight and perspective into the game, which has really added value to our rugby program, from the Academy and under-age structures up to the senior squad."

The Force are expected to announce an attack coach soon.