STATEMENT: Leicester Tigers confirm England legend as their new head coach
Rugby NewsMonday, 12 May 2025 at 11:04
Leicester Tigers have confirmed the return of club legend Geoff Parling, who will take over as head coach from August 2025 on a long-term deal.
The 41-year-old, currently part of the Wallabies coaching team, will return to the East Midlands after Australia’s 2025 British & Irish Lions series concludes.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
? From lineout leader to tactical thinker
Parling, a master of the set-piece during his playing days, has been building a strong coaching résumé. He’s currently an assistant coach with the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt and previously held the same role with the Melbourne Rebels.
His coaching journey began immediately after hanging up his boots, transitioning straight into the Rebels set-up before getting the call from former Australia boss Dave Rennie in 2020.
? A Tiger through and through
A fan favourite in his playing days, Parling made nearly 100 appearances for Leicester across six seasons, winning two Premiership titles at Welford Road and another with Exeter Chiefs.
He also featured at the highest level for England and was a Test Lion on the victorious 2013 tour of Australia.
?️ "The right person to lead us long into the future"
Club chairman Tom Scott said:
“It was vital for us, from the outset, to find the right person to lead the club long into the future and after a rigorous process, we are confident Geoff is the right person.”
? Parling’s pride
Reflecting on his return, Parling said:
“I was lucky enough to 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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