Former Leicester Tigers and England prop Dan Cole has seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal backroom role following his retirement from professional rugby. The 38-year-old, whose final game for the Tigers was their Premiership Final loss against Bath in June, has been appointed as the new Recruitment and Retention Manager.

A New Chapter for Cole

Cole's new role will see him play a crucial part in shaping the future squads of Leicester Tigers. He will work closely with new head coach Geoff Parling, a former teammate, to ensure the club continues to thrive. Tigers' chief executive Andrea Pinchen expressed her confidence in Cole's ability to excel in his new position, stating, "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."

Off-Field Restructuring

Cole's appointment is part of a broader off-field restructuring at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. This includes the departure of general manager Richard Wilks, who had overseen the club's entire rugby operations since the summer of 2023. The role of general manager will not be directly replaced; instead, a new position for a Head of Rugby Operations has been created. This new role will oversee the newly established Recruitment and Retention Committee, which includes Cole, Parling, finance director Fintan Kennedy, head of analysis Matt Egan, and head of pathway and rugby partnerships James Wade.

Looking Ahead

With Cole's extensive experience and deep-rooted connection to the club, Leicester Tigers are poised to enter an exciting new era. His transition from player to recruitment manager marks a significant moment in the club's history, promising a bright future for the Tigers.