Former Leicester Tigers second-row Geoff Parling has been announced as the new head coach of the Premiership outfit ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Parling will replace the exiting Michael Cheika, as he comes in fresh off the back of a five-year stint as the assistant coach of the struggling Australian national side.

The 41-year-old will join the Tigers once he has completed his duties with the Wallabies, after the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour.

Leicester return

“I was lucky enough have some incredible moments in the Leicester Tigers jersey, made through hard work by good people, and so I am extremely proud to be coming back to lead the club,” said Parling.

“There are not many opportunities that would make myself and my family think about leaving Australia, the place we’ve called home for the past seven years, but coming back to Leicester Tigers is one that we are really looking forward to.”

The Australian-based coach spent six with with the Tigers during his playing days, so will hope to use his understanding of the club’s culture to provide stability.

“I know the club is looking for stability, and I will be focused on building an environment with strong foundations, where people can see both what is needed and what it means to be a Tiger,” he said.

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Statements from Leicester Tigers Chairman and CEO

Club chairman Tom Scott said: “I am looking forward to welcoming Geoff, his wife Elle and their family back to Leicestershire and back to the club.

“It was vital for us, from the outset, to find the right person to lead the club long in the future and after a rigorous process, we are confident Geoff is the right person. 

“He is a high calibre coach, strong leader, and understands this club. He achieved success here as a player and we believe he will as a coach. 

“Geoff has made great strides in his coaching career over the past eight years and we are excited that we will be a part of his next chapter, one that will last long into the future, at Leicester Tigers.”

Chief executive officer Andrea Pinchen added: “It is brilliant to be able to announce the appointment of Geoff Parling as our new head coach from next season on a long term deal.

“We, like our supporters and everyone involved at the club, want stability in the role of head coach and took our time in reaching this decision to ensure we found the right person to provide that for the club.

‘High quality appointment’

“Geoff has a great knowledge of Leicester Tigers and the demands of the Premiership and European rugby. He has been very clear in his want to build an environment that not only sees players reach their potential but delivers on the demands of success from our supporters.

“He is passionate about developing his players and coaches, clear in the identity of his team and committed to bringing through Leicester Tigers-made players from the pathway programme.

“We are pleased this process has concluded, resulting in a high quality appointment from the hard work that has gone into it, and can now enjoy what is going to be an exciting finish to Michael Cheika’s tenure as head coach.” 

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/leicester-tigers-make-shock-appointment-to-replace-michael-cheika-as-wallabies-lose-prized-asset