‘Nothing comes close to this place’ – Leicester Tigers hero returns as Geoff Parling bolsters coaching ranks
Freddie Burns (pictured) called time on his professional career earlier this month.
Leicester Tigers have strengthened their coaching staff for the upcoming PREM Rugby season, with former fly-half Freddie Burns joining Geoff Parling’s ticket at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Burns’ appointment at the East Midlands outfit, who he joins as a kicking coach, comes just weeks after he announced his retirement from professional rugby, after a stint with Romanian outfit Dinamo București as a player-coach.
As a player, the Bath-native made 114 appearances for Leicester across two spells and famously kicked the winning drop-goal in the 2022 PREM final. He also brings experience from his time at Gloucester, Bath, Highlanders and Toyota Industries Shuttles, as well as a tally of five Test caps for England.
Freddie Burns joins Leicester Tigers coaching staff
Commenting on joining the Tigers coaching ranks, Burns said: “I’m very excited to begin my coaching journey with Tigers. It’s a club I care deeply about and I’m excited to help try and get the best out of this group that has huge potential.”
“I’ve had a brilliant career in terms of where I’ve been able to play the game around the world, nothing comes close to this place though.”
“I’m really excited to get to work and be back at Oval Park. Being here (Mattioli Woods Welford Road) on matchdays will be brilliant, I can’t wait.”
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Leicester head coach Parling added: “We’re excited for Fred to start his full-time coaching career with us.
“He will work with our kickers in both the first team and academy and is hungry to pass on what he’s learned across a distinguished playing career.
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“He’s also a good person to be around, and someone that wants to add value to the environment.”
Burns’ appointment also follows the exit of Alex Davies, who has joined Wales.
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