Rugby fans are all saying the same thing about Leicester naming Geoff Parling as new head coach
Geoff Parling during his England playing days in 2015
Monday’s announcement that Leicester have appointed Wallabies assistant Geoff Parling as their new head coach to succeed Michael Cheika was generally well-received by fans online.
The former England lock, who played for the Tigers from 2009 through to 2015, hadn’t been seen as a favourite for the role, so his appointment caught many people by surprise.
However, the reaction to the news that Parling is taking over on an unspecified length long-term deal has left fans feeling optimistic for the future at Welford Road following a period of upheaval following the December 2022 exit of Steve Borthwick to become England head coach.
Richard Wigglesworth stepped up to become interim boss for the remainder of the 2022/23 season which saw the club’s Premiership title defence end at the semi-final stage with a loss to Sale. Dan McKellar’s sole season in charge then resulted in an eight-place finish, which saw him replaced by Cheika last summer.
The ex-Argentina and Wallabies boss told Tigers earlier this year that he wasn’t looking to renew his one-year contract and the ensuing recruitment progress has now led to the club snapping up Parling, who is currently working as an assistant coach for the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt.
“It feels right to me…”
Parling will link up with Leicester in August following the end of the British and Irish Lions tour, leaving him with a short pre-season at Oval Park in the run-in to the start of his first season in charge.
While that lack of hands-on preparation time might become a concern ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, the response on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to Leicester’s recruitment of Parling was mostly applauded as a good development:
Tom Finn-Kelcey: “Fair play Tigers. This feels like a really smart appointment, especially given his skill set. It’s taken a while but it feels right to me. Delighted to see an ex-Tiger in the role too! Good work by Andrea Pinchen and the board. This was worth waiting for!”
Will Watchorn: “Think this is a good move. Hope the club gives him the chance to prove himself.”
Aidan Collins: “Was not expecting that. Let’s hope he’s given the resources and time to develop the side and we’re not in the same position again in 18 months.”
Dan Sanders: “Knows the DNA, knows what it is to win, knows what WR faithful expect on and off the pitch. Welcome back, Geoff.”
Murph@themurphs11: “Outstanding news. I predict a trophy in season three and the club will generously give all the space needed beforehand. I really think this is an excellent model akin to other Premiership clubs.”
Daniel Bignell: “Well our lineout will be top-notch! Glad he’s coming home.”
Anne Dawkins: “Brilliant news. Welcome back Geoff, we’ve missed you!”
Chris Haywood: “Like it.”
Doug the Prop: “Given all the names being bandied about I didn’t see this coming – very decent and exciting appointment.”
Leicester Tigers make shock appointment to replace Michael Cheika as Wallabies lose prized asset
Jacob Bassford: “Knows Tigers through and through. Established himself as a successful forwards coach in Australia. Definitely someone who can be a long-term head coach at this club. I like it!”
Jon Peter Tomlin: “Great appointment. I thought he may be going to Sandy Park.”
Adam Mills: “Didn’t see that coming, a very good and sensible appointment for Tigers.”
Brendan O’Malley: “Wow and what a pleasant surprise this morning. A great rugby brain. Good luck fella.”
Michael Johnson: “A really optimistic surprise. Interested to see what he does. Good luck.”
aecoombs@AlexanderCoomb2: “That seems like a very shrewd appointment!”
Gigi Ancora: “Makes perfect sense. Welcome home, Geoff.”
Simon@AncientKeeper: “If we’re bringing the old guys back, we still need a 10. Wonder what Les Cusworth’s doing these days?”
Rhys@SteakyRhys: “Long-term deal. Means he is off then halfway through next year? That’s long for Tigers these days, isn’t it?”
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