The Leicester Tigers have been on a remarkable journey over the past year, and it's safe to say that Geoff Parling has been at the helm of this transformation. The club, known for its physical and aggressive style, has now embraced a more entertaining and attractive brand of rugby, all while finding a long-term head coach. This is a significant shift for a team that has seen almost 30 coaches come and go in the past 13 years.
Parling, a decorated former player, has brought a new philosophy to the Tigers. Inspired by his time in Australia, he prioritized kicking accuracy, asking players to catch the ball above their heads under the high ball. This has resulted in the team having the most kicks in play and kicking the most metres in the league. But it's not just about the kicking; the Tigers are now playing with fluidity and confidence, throwing the ball wide and playing from deep in their own territory. This is a far cry from the bulldozer-like style that fans are used to, and it's a refreshing change.
What's even more impressive is the way Parling has brought largely unheard-of players to the fore. Billy Searle, who was arguably brought in as third-choice at fly-half, has become a revelation. He has usurped James O'Connor and Orlando Bailey, playing an open brand of rugby and being near-perfect from the tee. Similarly, Will Wand and the aforementioned Bailey were long shots to be Leicester's first-choice centre pairing last September, but they now look like internationals. This is a testament to Parling's ability to identify and develop talent.
However, it's not just about the players; it's also about the leadership. The Tigers have seen over 500 international caps depart, and with it, the team's leaders. But Parling has managed to instill a new sense of leadership in the team, with players like Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, and Ollie Chessum becoming the backbone of the team. This is a crucial aspect of the Tigers' success, as it ensures that the team has a clear direction and a strong foundation to build upon.
The question now is whether this is the Geoff Parling era for many years to come. The Tigers have already achieved the minimum, a top-four place and a cup win, and they now face Bath in a straight shoot-out for a home semi-final. But challenges await next season, with key players leaving and international sides potentially looking at a successful club coach with Test match experience. Despite these challenges, there is a sense at Mattioli Woods Welford Road that perhaps, finally, things might have calmed down. The dominant Tigers of old could return, and the team is poised to fight for silverware for many years to come.
