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. Personally, I think this is a fascinating development, as it challenges the traditional understanding of what the Tigers are all about. What makes this particularly interesting is the contrast between the team's past and present. The Tigers have always been known for their grit and character, but now they are 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. In my opinion, this change is a result of Parling's coaching philosophy, which has been inspired by his time watching Aussie Rules. He has prioritized kicking accuracy and encouraged players to catch the ball above their head under the high ball, which has led to the team having the most kicks in play and kicking the most metres in the league. However, this isn't just about the style of play. The Tigers have also undergone a leadership transition, with the departure of veteran players like Julian Montoya, Handre Pollard, Ben Youngs, and Dan Cole. This has created a void in the team's leadership, but it has also allowed for the emergence of new leaders like Ollie Chessum, Cameron Henderson, and the Class of 2019. These players have stepped up and become the backbone of the team, leading the way and pushing it forward. One of Parling's greatest achievements has been to bring largely unheard-of players to the fore. Billy Searle, Will Wand, and Orlando Bailey are now considered first-choice centers, and Archie van der Flier and Joaquin Moro are likely to be part of the matchday 23 if the Tigers make it to Twickenham. This has built a strong foundation for the future, with the team's strength in depth being a key factor in their success. However, there are challenges ahead. The hugely influential attack coach Pete Hewat and dedicated forwards coach Brett Deacon are leaving at the end of the year, and high-profile playing departures include England lock George Martin and Wales prop Nicky Smith. There is also the possibility that international sides might look at a successful club coach with Test match experience after the World Cup next year. But for now, the Tigers are in a positive place, and the sense at Mattioli Woods Welford Road is that perhaps, finally, things might have calmed down. The dominant Tigers of old could return, and the team is set to fight for silverware for many years to come.
