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Double female Six Nations winner Gill Bourke has joined the Leicester Tigers coaching staff ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Rugby Premiership season.
The 42-year-old former champion spent her playing career at Munster, UL Bohemians, Stade Français, Harlequins and Loughborough Lightning.
She also represented Ireland at the 2010 and 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cups and earned 51 caps for her country in a seven-year Test career.
At the 2014 tournament, Bourke was named in the Dream Team following a fan vote. She was joined by Irish teammate Niamh Briggs in a team that also boasted Emily Scarratt, Maggie Alphonsi and Magali Harvey.
Following her retirement, Bourke spent six months with the Springbok Women before joining Rugby Australia.
During her two years at the union, she held a variety of roles, including as an assistant to the Wallaroos at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. The team, coached by Jo Yapp, exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage.
Bourke has been appointed as the leading forwards coach in a much-changed Leicester backline. The side that finished at the bottom PWR on the table last season without a win, they have invested heavily in their program this summer and are looking to improve on last season.
Over the summer, Ross Bundy, who took over as head coach ahead of the 2025/26 season, left the East Midlands to join Exeter Chiefs.
Fraser Goatcher continues in his role as Director of Women’s Rugby, while Ben Duke has been appointed Head Back and Assistant Attack Coach. Duke is also head of community at the Tigers and was previously the leader of the under-23 team.
Ben Slessor takes over the U23 lead role. Ex Scotland international age, Slessor will also oversee the first team defense at PWR.
George Cox, who joined the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, has been appointed as contact skills coach. The 29-year-old was a member of the Northampton Saints academy before spending almost a decade with the Nottingham rugby team.
Ex Trailfinders Women and Wasps Head of Women’s Athletics Performance, Adam Dowsett, continues in his role as Head of Performance following his arrival in February.
The appointments are part of a significant overhaul at Leicester, who will be looking to bounce back from a safe campaign in 2025/26.