Breaking: Wallabies’ Assistant Coach Geoff Parling Heading to Leicester Tigers, Will Stay On Until British & Irish Lions Series
In a major rugby shake-up, Wallabies Assistant Coach Geoff Parling has confirmed his departure from the Australian national team to take up the position of Head Coach at Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership season. Parling, who has been a crucial part of the Wallabies’ coaching staff since 2015, will remain with the team until the conclusion of the upcoming British & Irish Lions Series in August. The 36-year-old former lock, who played for Leicester Tigers during his playing days, leaves Australia after seven years, during which he became a citizen and made significant contributions to the sport Down Under. Rugby Australia has expressed their gratitude for Parling’s service and has started the process of finding a replacement. The Wallabies are set to kick off their test season against Fiji this Sunday in Newcastle, with the highly-anticipated Lions Series to follow.
Title: Wallabies Bid Farewell to Coach Geoff Parling as He Embarks on New Chapter with Leicester Tigers
H2. Wallabies Assistant Coach Geoff Parling Heads to Leicester Tigers
Australian Rugby Union has bid farewell to long-serving assistant coach, Geoff Parling, who has accepted the position of head coach at Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership season. The former Wallaby, who joined the Australian setup in 2018, will continue in his current role until the completion of the British & Irish Lions Series later this year.
H3. A Letter of Thanks from the Wallabies
Geoff Parling’s contribution to Australian Rugby has been invaluable, earning him the heartfelt thanks of the Wallabies. "There’s still plenty of work to do with the Wallabies, and I’m very much focused on the immediate challenges ahead with the British & Irish Lions Series just around the corner," Parling stated. He expressed gratitude for the supportive environment created by head coach, Joe T &(🔗“Geoff Parling enthusiastic about future with Wallabies,” Rugby Australia, 2021). Parling, who initially moved to Australia with his family for seven months, now proudly calls himself an Australian citizen after seven years.
H3. Rugby Australia’s Nostalgic Farewell
Peter Horne, Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, reflected on Parling’s successful tenure, "Since arriving in Australia, Geoff has given his heart and soul to Australian Rugby, and for that we are very grateful." He acknowledged the opportunity presented to Parling by Leicester Tigers and wished him the best, affirming that Parling would always be a friend of Australian Rugby.
Did you know?
Geoff Parling played a crucial role in the Wallabies’ run to the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, contributing to their renowned set-piece excellence.
H2. Wallabies’ Upcoming Fixtures
While Parling’s departure casts a shadow, the Wallabies have a packed calendar to focus on. Here are some key fixtures:
- Wallabies v Fiji – Sunday, July 6, at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- British & Irish Lions Tour
- Wallabies v British & Irish Lions – Saturday, July 19, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Wallabies v British & Irish Lions – Saturday, July 26, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Wallabies v British & Irish Lions – Saturday, August 2, at Accor Stadium, Sydney
H2. The Road Ahead for the Wallabies
Following the Lions Series, the Wallabies’ schedule includes the Flight Centre Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup, with tests against South Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand. The Spring Tour will see them face Japan, England, Italy, Ireland, and France.
Q&A
Q: When will Geoff Parling commence his role at Leicester Tigers?
A: Parling will start at Leicester Tigers following the completion of the 2022 British & Irish Lions Series.
Q: What are the next steps for Rugby Australia following Geoff Parling’s departure?
A: Rugby Australia will begin the process of recruiting a new assistant coach to fill the vacancy left by Parling.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on Leicester Tigers’ instructive style of play under Parling, who is known for his strategic prowess and focus on scrummaging and lineout work.
H2. The Future of Australian Rugby
Geoff Parling’s departure opens the door for a new coaching voice, presenting an opportunity for Rugby Australia to pause, reflect, and grow. As the Wallabies prepare to take on the British & Irish Lions and beyond, the focus remains on delivering consistent, world-class performances.
Call to Action
Stay tuned to 247Sports.New for all the latest buzz on the Wallabies, and don’t forget to leave your thoughts on Parling’s departure and his impact on Australian Rugby in the comments section below.