Leicester Tigers lose former Test coach who departs 10 weeks after getting the job
Mike Forshaw in his Wales days and new Leicester boss Geoff Parling (inset)
Mike Forshaw has quit Leicester Tigers just 10 weeks after he was unveiled as an assistant coach under new boss Geoff Parling.
The ex-Sale and Connacht defence coach was snapped up by the Tigers after his two and a half seasons with Wales came to an end in the summer.
It was May 12 when Parling, the Wallabies assistant coach, was named as the head coach successor to Michael Cheika, who was returning to Australia for family reasons.
Eight weeks after Parling’s recruitment, it was announced on July 7 by the Welford Road club that he would be joined by Forshaw and Anthony Allen, the former Leicester player who has forged a coaching career at Coventry and Cambridge since retiring from playing because of injury.
‘Personal reasons’
However, with the countdown on towards Leicester’s first Premiership match of the new season, the September 28 trip to Bristol, it has now emerged that Forshaw has departed before a ball has been kicked in the new 2025/26 campaign.
The 55-year-old, who enjoyed a stellar rugby league playing career before switching into coaching, spent a decade at Sale before moving to Warren Gatland’s Wales in January 2023, but his return to Premiership coaching has been shelved just 13 days before the Tigers visit Ashton Gate.
“Leicester Tigers can confirm that Mike Forshaw has left his role as defence coach for personal reasons,” began a club statement.
“Forshaw joined Leicester Tigers in the summer after three seasons with the Welsh national team. Before that, he worked with Sale Sharks and Connacht Rugby.
“Anthony Allen will take on responsibility for defence, with Alex Davies adding skills to his current role as the club’s kicking coach.”
Head coach Parling said: “It’s sad to lose someone of Mike’s experience as he’s been a valuable member of the coaching team.”
“On behalf of everybody at Leicester Tigers, I want to thank Mike for his work throughout the pre-season and wish him and his family well.”
Forshaw added: “I really enjoyed the time at the club, although it was short, and it’s a shame that I can’t give the commitment that is needed to the role at this time.
“I want to wish everyone all the best for this season and the future. They are a great group of players, a great group of coaches, and I wish them all the best.”
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