The Tigers reached the semi-finals of the PREM last season. Can Geoff Parling take the Welford Road outfit to another level?
It’s fair to say Geoff Parling had an impressive start to his tenure as Leicester Tigers boss last season. The former England winger knows Welford Road like the back of his hand after six years in the playing staff, after leading his side to Gallagher PREM semi-final where they lost to eventual champions Northampton Saints. They have added Aaron Wainwright from Wales, Joel Sclavi from Argentina and former England star Mack Vunipola, but will it be enough to take them to another level?
Below we outline Leicester’s chances before their season kicks off against Saracens (live on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 27 September). Between now and the big beginning, The world of rugby will give his judgment to each PREM and URC page – come back to the page for more.
Leicester Tigers Discussion Points
Unlike TNT Sports pre-match, Geoff Parling is an assured presence at Welford Road. He presided over 12 league wins in 2025-26 and only a silky Saints side prevented the Tigers from reaching the final. Parling knows what it takes to win the PREM title (twice) from his time at the club as a player and you wouldn’t bet against him doing the trick again before his time is up.
“They play with freedom, supporting their skills,” Tom Varndell said of the Tigers. “They have a license to play heads-up rugby. They look like a completely different team.”
Billy Searle was probably the signing of the season, never giving up James O’Connor view at ten. Ollie Chessum‘s step to the captaincy was imperceptible; even more responsibility will fall on his shoulders after his England international George MartinGoing to Saracens.
Welsh international Aaron Wainwright is a smart signing Mark Vunipola he arrives to replace the loose Nicky Smith and lead promising youngster Archie van der Flier.
A key player
You saw what it meant to Ollie Chessum when the tears flowed after conceding at the semi-final stage. Touted as a future England captain, the lock/flanker is a physical ball-carrier, deceptively quick and hits hard in defence. An excellent line operator, it’s hard to pin down a real weakness in his game.
Will Wand worked his magic for Leicester last season (David Rogers/Getty Images)
One to watch
Outside center Will Wand, 24, was working on a building site as a sandblaster three years ago but is now working his magic at the top of the English game. He was named PREM player of the month for April and entered the England national team. Also skilled on the wing, he got married this summer so will be hoping for more reasons to celebrate.
Trainer box
It’s all change behind Parling with Brett Deacon and Pete Hewat leaving their roles. Craig Childs arrived from the Stormers to lead the defence, while Rod Seib joined from Connacht to lead the attack. Neil Fowkes (scrum), Anthony Allen (assist) and Alex Davies (skills/kicking) complete the unit.
Leicester Tigers Prediction 2026-27
Playoff material. But they may need another year under Parling to reach the finals.
Leicester Tigers 2026-27 quotas
7-1
Vital statistics
No PREM team assisted more line breaks (19) and tackles (seven) than Leicester last season.
Wales back row Aaron Wainwright could prove a shrewd signing at Welford Road (Ian Cook – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Leicester Tigers signings
- Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)
- Mark Vunipola (Vannes)
- Joel Sclavi (La Rochelle)
- Elliot Stooke (Red Hurricanes)
- Jack Doorey-Palmer (Harlequins)
- Joe Jenkins (Bristol)
Leicester Tigers ddepartures
- Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks)
- Harry Wells (Bedford Blues)
- Hanro Liebenberg (Taurus)
- George Martin (Saracens)
- Cameron Miell (Worcester, loan)
- James O’Connor (released)
- Isaiah Perese (Queensland Reds)
- Jack Kinder (Ampthill)
- Tom Threlfall (Rotherham)
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