tarting in the 2023-24 season, Dan McKellar will take over as the new head coach of the Leicester Tigers.
The 46-year-old has been a part of Australia’s coaching staff since 2021, and previously led the Brumbies to a Super Rugby Australia victory in 2020.
Speaking about the decision to join Leicester Tigers, McKellar said: “This has been a big decision for me and my family, to make the move to the other side of the world together, but it is one that we are very much looking forward to doing, to be a part of a club like Leicester Tigers.”
“There are strong links with the community, with the supporters and knowing that I will be a part of game days at Mattioli Woods Welford Road with 25,000 people in the stands lights a fire for me.
“What else stood out for me was that the club takes great pride in having a very strong academy programme, where we can develop our own players both culturally and from a rugby perspective.
“In the experiences I have had in the northern hemisphere, as part of tours with Australia, I have seen the passion for the game and the genuine love for the game that there is and that is what I want to be involved in.”
Various reports have now stated that the Aussie is targeting six players to improve his squad for next season
Tigers have already confirmed for signings for next season with Josh Bassett, Kyle Hatherall, Jamie Shillcock and Finn Theobald-Thomas already signed up.
Meanwhile, Richard Wigglesworth will depart the club to join England’s coaching staff while Chris Ashton, Mike Brown and Anthony Watson’s short term contracts are unlikely to be renewed at this stage..
McKellar’s five-man shortlist
#1. Jack Willis
The 25-year-old is considered one of the jewels in the crown of the former Wasps squad and attracted interest from Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam, Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick and Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson before signing with Toulouse.
However, under current rules, Willis must return to the Premiership following the Rugby World Cup to ensure he can continue his international career with England.
Although Tigers remain interested, The Rugby Paper reports that none of the Premiership clubs have tabled a suitable offer to tempt Jack Willis back to England.
