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Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Geoff Parling won two Prem titles as a Tigers player, and now is their head coach By Adam Whitty BBC Radio Leicester sports editor Published 1 hour ago If you have been a regular watcher of English rugby over the past 30 years, or indeed a neutral observer of the game, I am going to make two statements so shocking that after hearing them, you might need a lie down. Leicester Tigers are playing entertaining, attractive rugby. Leicester Tigers look to have found a long-term head coach. No, really. Tigers, so often the bastions of a physical, aggressive gameplan, have opened up, and a 13-year psychodrama that has seen almost 30 coaches come and go, might well be over too. Geoff Parling, a man with a decorated playing career, and self-described 'rugby nause', has now set his sights on winning trophies for England's most successful club as head coach. They have won 12 of their 17 games in the Prem this season, including seven of the last nine. They won the Prem Rugby Cup and have already guaranteed themselves a place in the Prem semi-finals. They now face Bath on Saturday in a straight shoot-out for a home semi after what has been an impressive season. New stars have been discovered, new leaders have been formed, silverware has been won and seemingly, foundations have been set - Leicester fans will hope - for a bright future ahead. So how has Parling, and his team, done it? And is he Leicester's long-term leader? A three-time Prem winner (twice with Leicester), 29 caps for England and a British and Irish Lion, Parling was announced last May as Leicester's 10th head coach since 2013. At that stage, Tigers were on the way to a runners-up spot, losing to Bath in last year's final. Michael Cheika, a coaching rock star, departed after a one-season setlist. The words "long-term contract" were mentioned in the announcement almost as much as "Geoff Parling". The Tigers' hierarchy was sick of a revolving door of head coaches, as were the players, who would openly criticise instability in interviews. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Club captain Ollie Chessum and Tigers and England team-mates Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet have been part of a new leadership group Listen to the Leicester Tigers Rugby Show podcast on BBC Sounds Exeter stun Leicester to set up Prem play-off drama Published 3 days ago Tigers thriving on play-off expectation - Parling Published 7 days ago Parling's introduction was, as he described, a "whirlwind". He left the final Lions Test as Australia forwards coach on the Sunday and was coaching Tigers by the Wednesday. The unpacking of boxes in his new home, I discovered last week, still hasn't been fully completed. He set about changing the way Leicester played, along with attack coach Pete Hewat. Inspired by watching Aussie Rules during his time down under, he prioritised kicking accuracy, asking players to try to catch the ball above their head under the high ball. Before last week
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.
  • 2
    After years of searching, Leicester seems to have found a long-term boss in Brendan Rodgers. His tactical acumen and experience could finally lift the trophy and end the curse. Its a bold move, and well see if it pays off.
  • 2
    But how long will his experience last? Have we seen the best from Rodgers yet? Or is this just a temporary fix?
  • 0
    Leicesters success might be more luck than skill. Cant Rodgers experience truly last if he relies on transfers every season?
  • 0
    Geoff Parlings tenure at Leicester shows promise, but sustained success will depend on how well he can instill a cohesive team identity and adapt to evolving rugby strategies.
  • 2
    Geoff Parlings appointment is a long-awaited turning point for Leicester Tigers. Can this new era of coaching finally bring sustained success and stability to the team?
  • 0
    Geoff Parlings tenure shows promise. Will sustained success depend on instilling team identity and adapting strategies? Lets see how he handles the next test.
  • 0
    Geoff Parlings early success is promising, but building a cohesive team and staying ahead of the games curve will be key to Leicesters long-term success. What strategies do you think hell focus on next?
  • 0
    Geoff Parlings early success is promising, but building a cohesive team and staying ahead of the tactical curve will be crucial for Leicesters long-term success. What specific strategies do you think hell prioritize next season to achieve sustainable growth?
  • 0
    Skill and strategy matter, but luck does play a role. Rodgers tenure depends on consistent performance, not just transfers.
  • 2
    Geoff Parlings tenure shows promise, but sustained success hinges on instilling a cohesive team identity and adapting to evolving rugby strategies. If he can master both, Leicester Tigers might finally have a long-term head coach. #LeicesterTigers #RugbyReform
  • 0
    Leadership is key. If Rodgers cant develop young talent, hes a short-term fix. True success comes from building a strong, sustainable team.
  • 0
    Im sorry, but Im not quite sure what you are asking. Could you please provide a bit more context or information?