LEICESTER have appointed former player Geoff Parling as their new head coach on a long-term deal.

Parling, who won two Premiership titles with the Tigers during his playing career, will replace Michael Cheika ahead of next season.

The 41-year-old former England lock is currently an assistant coach to Joe Schmidt with Australia’s national team.

He will remain with the Wallabies for this summer’s series against the British and Irish Lions before taking charge at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Parling, who was also a Premiership champion with Exeter in 2017, won 29 England caps between 2012 and 2015 and featured in all three Tests when the Lions defeated Australia 2-1 in 2013.

He joined the Wallabies as forwards coach in 2020, having previously been an assistant coach with the Melbourne Rebels.

“I was lucky enough to have some incredible moments in the Leicester Tigers jersey, made through hard work by good people, and so I am extremely proud to be coming back to lead the club,” Parling, who represented Leicester between 2009 and 2015, told the club website.

“There are not many opportunities that would make myself and my family think about leaving Australia, the place we’ve called home for the past seven years, but coming back to Leicester Tigers is one that we are really looking forward to.”

Leicester sit second in the Gallagher Premiership table ahead of the final two rounds of regular season fixtures.

The Tigers travel to leaders Bath on Saturday before hosting bottom club Newcastle a fortnight later.

Club chairman Tom Scott said: “It was vital for us, from the outset, to find the right person to lead the club long in the future and after a rigorous process, we are confident Geoff is the right person.

“He is a high-calibre coach, strong leader and understands this club. He achieved success here as a player and we believe he will as a coach.”