2024-25: Second, beaten finalists
Key signing: James O’Connor, fly-half
Adam Whitty, Radio Leicester sports editor:
Leicester really are this season’s unknown proposition.
Geoff Parling has the potential to do very well at Welford Road. His time coaching, most recently with Australia, combined with a trophy-laden time as a player at Tigers, has fans excited. But he needs time to get things the way he wants, which is not something Leicester’s hierarchy have offered in the past.
They begin this season without some of the talismanic figures that have defined their recent past. International players like Julian Montoya and Handre Pollard have been replaced by Newcastle’s Jamie Blamire, and two fascinating fly-halves – Orlando Bailey from Bath and Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor respectively.
The retirement of Ben Youngs and Dan Cole also leaves room for a new generation. Home-grown talent such as Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, George Martin and Ollie Chessum are perfectly suited to taking on the mantle. They will also be responsible for opening Tigers’ game up, bit by bit, while keeping their gnarly edge.
Last season’s runners-up could continue the form they found under Michael Cheika and hit the ground running. But I wouldn’t be stunned if they fell flat on their face either.
Listen to the Leicester Tigers Rugby Show every Wednesday at 18:00 on Radio Leicester and Sounds
