Leicester's former Australia international to return to Tigers as coach - Ruck

Leicester’s former Australia international to return to Tigers as coach

  • Former Australia international Matt O’Connor is to return to Leicester Tigers as their new head coach
  • O’Connor will resume his role as successor to Richard Cockerill in early April, subject to a visa
  • Aaron Mauger has been in charge since the long-serving Cockerill was sacked
Leicester Tigers have announced that Matt O’Connor is to return to the club as head coach, with Aaron Mauger departing.

O’Connor won three Premiership titles in his previous spell with the Tigers up to 2013 and has subsequently worked with Leinster, Queensland Reds and Tonga.

He will begin his new role at Leicester in early April, subject to visa.

“We’re delighted that Matt O’Connor has accepted an offer to return to Welford Road,” said Tigers chairman Peter Tom.

“The club has conducted an exhaustive search to find the right person.

“One of the most significant factors in our deliberations was experience of the Premiership and what it takes to win the competition.

“Matt has that experience as head coach during a successful period. The team also topped the try-scoring figures in the Premiership four times in that five-year period with Matt in charge of the attack.”

 More to follow.