Kevin Sinfield among the favourites to be the next Leicester Tigers boss
Rugby NewsSunday, 23 June 2024 at 08:01
We review the leading candidates to succeed Dan McKellar, who departed Leicester Tigers by mutual agreement after a single season at the helm of the Premiership club.
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The 47-year-old former ACT Brumbies head coach resigned as Australia's forwards coach to assume the position on a "long-term contract," becoming the permanent replacement for Steve Borthwick, who departed to coach England.
However, Leicester Tigers had a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Premiership, 11 points shy of a playoff berth. Additionally, they were eliminated by Leinster in the Investec Champions Cup round of 16 and lost to Gloucester in the Premiership Cup final.
In a statement,l Leicester said McKellar's departure had been agreed "following extensive discussions regarding the club's future direction".
Favourites to replace him
#5. Martin Johnson - 40/1
The idea of the former Lions captain returning to Welford Road as a director of rugby to turn things around was a popular rumor.
However, RUCK reports that this scenario is unlikely. Johnson appears uninterested in ending his self-imposed hiatus.
After being dismissed as England manager following the disappointing 2011 World Cup campaign, which saw England eliminated by France in the quarter-finals, Johnson has remained out of the spotlight.
He has been focusing on commercial work and family time, showing no interest in re-entering the high-pressure world of domestic rugby.
#4. Dean Richards - 25/1
Another name mentioned is Leicester legend Richards. Richards played as a number eight for Leicester Tigers from 1982 to 1997, during which he appeared in 314 games.
He served as captain when Leicester won the 1994-95 Courage League, the 1997 Pilkington Cup, the inaugural English league title in 1987-88, and the 1993 Pilkington Cup.
After retiring from playing in 1998, Richards was appointed as Leicester Director of Rugby. Under his leadership, Leicester won the Premiership Rugby title in his first four seasons and also the Heineken Cup in 2001 and 2002, becoming the first team to retain the trophy.
He then spent one year as head coach of FC Grenoble in France's Top 16. From 2005 to 2009, he coached Harlequins and led them to victory in the second division in 2006, and also to a second-place finish in the Premiership in 2009. However, Richards was banned from coaching for three years following the Bloodgate scandal.
Once his ban was over, he was appointed head coach of Newcastle Falcons, and led the team to another second-division title in 2013.
Dean Richards, Director of Rugby of Newcastle Falcons during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on 1 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Alex Sanderson - 20/1
This scenario seems highly improbable. The Sale director of rugby recently signed a new three-year contract with the Premiership club.
The 44-year-old, who made 90 appearances for the Sharks as a player, returned to the club in January 2021.
Sale reached the Premiership final last season and secured another top-four finish this term.
Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on 6 March 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#2. Kevin Sinfield - 18/1
The 43-year-old, who joined England head coach Steve Borthwick in transitioning from Leicester Tigers, will leave the national team after their summer tour of New Zealand.
This departure makes him available to return to his former club, possibly in a more senior role.
Sinfield was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list for his multi-million pound fundraising efforts for Motor Neurone Disease research.
#1. Michael Cheika - 1/3
Reports suggest the Tigers are in advanced negotiations with former Australia coach Michael Cheika following the unexpected dismissal of head coach Dan McKellar.
Cheika has been seeking new opportunities since stepping down as Argentina's head coach after their narrow 26-23 defeat to England in the bronze final earlier this season.
Initially, the Tigers passed over the former Wallabies coach in favor of McKellar, who is now a strong contender for the head coach position at the NSW Waratahs—a role Cheika has also been associated with.
Michael Cheika Head Coach of Australia after the Old Mutual Wealth Series match, between England and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 3rd December 2016.- Photo mandatory by-line: Dean Lancaster/Pinnacle - Tel +44(0) 1363 881025 - Mobile 0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 03/12/2016 - SPORT - RUGBY - Old Mutual Wealth Series - England v Australia, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK.
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