Leicester Tigers Club news: Changes to rugby staff

Leicester Tigers can confirm that Richard Wilks has left the club after four impactful seasons.

Wilks initially joined the club in an interim role in December 2020 before joining full-time in November 2021 as Head of Performance Recruitment, playing a key role in assembling the squad that delivered the 2021/22 Premiership title.

In July 2023, he was appointed General Manager, taking on broader responsibility for the entire rugby programme, including the men’s, women’s, and academy teams. Under his leadership, the club strengthened its player development pathways, partnership clubs, and operational infrastructure.

Chief Executive Officer Andrea Pinchen said: “First and foremost, I want to thank Richard for all that he has contributed during his time at Leicester Tigers. He leaves behind strong foundations and a legacy across all areas of our rugby programme.”

“We begin the new season with fresh leadership in our men’s, women’s, and academy teams — a transition made possible thanks to the groundwork Richard has put in place. The General Manager role is incredibly demanding, and Richard has been instrumental in developing every strand of our rugby operation. 

“On behalf of everyone at the club and our supporters, I thank him and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

The decision has been made not to directly replace the role, with the duties to be divided across new and existing roles at the club, including the appointment of a Head of Rugby Operations.

RUGBY STAFF UPDATE

Dan Cole has been appointed Recruitment & Retention Manager at Leicester Tigers.

The Leicester Tigers legend, who retired at the end of last season after 388 club appearances and 121 Test matches over almost two decades, will work closely with incoming Head Coach Geoff Parling as part of a new recruitment and retention committee, aligning the club’s senior squad and Academy and pathway programmes.

Cole is one of three new key appointments at Oval Park heading into the 25/26 season, which includes Parling and a new Academy Manager in George Glenn. The club is also in the process of recruiting a Head of Rugby Operations.

Parling has arrived in the United Kingdom after finishing his duties with Australia and has taken over the pre-season programme, while Cole and Glenn have begun in their roles.

The recruitment and retention committee includes:

• Dan Cole - Recruitment & Retention Manager
• Fintan Kennedy - Finance Director and Salary Cap Officer
• Geoff Parling - Head Coach
• James Wade - Head of Pathway & Rugby Partnerships
• Matt Egan - Head of Analysis

The recruitment and retention committee will operate with oversight from and report to Chief Executive Officer Andrea Pinchen, who, speaking about Cole’s appointment, said: “We are delighted to be able to keep someone of Dan’s experience and knowledge at Leicester Tigers.”

“He has always shown a keen interest in this area and, as anyone who knows him will attest, his attention to detail and professionalism are second to none. His playing career was as successful as it was because of his work ethic, but also his commitment to learning and evolving every step of the way. Add to that that he is a Leicester Tigers man through and through; he wants to see this club be successful and, pleasingly, wants to contribute and be a part of this exciting new chapter.

“Dan will be a great fit, there’s no doubt about that, and with the appointment of the new Head of Rugby Operations to oversee the process and refreshed staffing structure, I am confident in what is being put in place.”