Leicester Tigers statement: Geoff Parling

Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 13:38

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bySteven Smith

Ahead of the Slater Cup game yesterday, an incident occured during the warm-up where TNT Sport presenters took a kick at posts under which Tigers players were warming up.

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Whilst this was contrary to standard practise and - as always - the well-being of those players under the posts was Geoff Parling's primary concern, Leicester Tigers and Geoff Parling accept that the response was unnecessary and would like to apologise to everyone involved.

Geoff Parling said, "I would like to apologise for the incident pre-game yesterday - it is important we stay a family focused game and it wasn’t appropriate for viewers to see that."

"We have a great product in the Prem and I offer my thanks to Craig Doyle and TNT for continuing to innovate and think differently. After talking last night we’ll make sure we are fully aligned behind new ideas, including when best to use them; and keep pushing our game to new audiences.”

Jamie Phillips

@JNPhillips4

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I completely get why Geoff Parling was annoyed here. TNT had no clearance for this and he’s protecting his players but I don’t think he should have shoved Craig Doyle like that. Whether you think Doyle is annoying or not, I don’t think that’s right.

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6:02 PM · Mar 28, 2026

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Those on the ground at Villa Park have also been offered private apologies from Geoff and the club, and Tigers appreciate the apologies for the kick taking place initially.

Leicester Tigers hope that this matter can now be considered closed, and that attention be turned to the fantastic occasion that The Slater Cup provided once again.