British & Irish Lion tipped to rejoin Leicester Tigers next season
04/19/2025 08:36 AM
Former British & Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling is being tipped for a sensational return to his old stomping ground, Leicester Tigers, according to RugbyPass.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The move hinges on whether the 40-year-old remains in Joe Schmidt's Wallabies coaching setup when Les Kiss officially takes over as head coach.
Parling, who first arrived at Welford Road in July 2009 from Newcastle Falcons, went on to enjoy six successful seasons with the Tigers before spells at Exeter Chiefs and Melbourne Rebels. Since retiring, he's been making a name for himself in the southern hemisphere — and now a homecoming might be on the cards.
Australia was only meant to be a six-month stop…
Parling initially made the move to Australia in 2018 to finish his playing career with the Rebels. But what was supposed to be a brief stint turned into something much more permanent.
"I came for six months to play, left for six months, and I've now been back for five years," he explained.
"We thought we would just come on an adventure for six months and then we would be back. But an early offer of a job to coach here [changed things]. I had a great opportunity to settle here and thought it would be awesome."
Having joined Joe Schmidt's Wallabies coaching ticket as lineout coach in April 2024, Parling now faces uncertainty with Kiss set to shake things up.
A Lion tamed by time — now coaching against his past
A key part of the Lions' 2013 series victory over Australia, Parling knows what it means to wear the red jersey. But coaching comes with different emotions — especially when you're preparing to face former teams.
"There are two sides when you are coaching. You have the professional hat on, and you realise you could coach against teams that you have a lot of affection for. That's what happens," Parling said.
"But there is always a little pull on the heartstrings when you are coaching against – and for – teams that mean a little bit more to you.”
Parling is expected to be part of the Wallabies tour party that returns to Twickenham in November, where he'll coach against England — a team he represented with distinction during his playing days.
Dual citizen, dual identity
While a return to Leicester would mark a homecoming of sorts, Parling is firmly embedded in Australian life — and now even holds dual citizenship.
"Australia is home now for me, and I am actually a dual-passport holder. So I feel like I almost have two homes now, they are just on different sides of the world."
With Rugby Australia poised to confirm Les Kiss's appointment any moment, don't be surprised if Leicester make their move to bring one of their former fan-favourites back into the fold.
Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.
Shock Lions Squad Odds Drop — Marcus Smith Snubbed as Bookies Reveal Stunning Predictions!
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
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Back-Three: Scottish Stars and Irish Firepower
Scotland's Duhan van der Merwe (1/16) is the closest thing to a certainty, while Ireland's James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5) are also heavily favoured. England's Tommy Freeman (4/9) is making a strong case, while Scotland's Blair Kinghorn (8/11) and Darcy Graham (2/1) could add versatility and attacking flair.
Fly-Halves: Russell's to Lose?
Scotland's magician Finn Russell (1/10) is almost a lock for the squad, but England's rising star Fin Smith (8/15) and Ireland's young talent Sam Prendergast (8/11) are being heavily backed to join him.
Scrum-Halves: A Tight Race
Jamison Gibson-Park (8/11) leads the way for Ireland, but England's Alex Mitchell (11/10) and Scotland's Ben White (11/10) are in close contention for the remaining spots.
Forwards: Battle for the Pack
In the front row, Ireland's Tadhg Furlong (1/8) and Andrew Porter (1/7) are near certainties, while England's Ellis Genge (4/6) and young Fin Baxter (5/6) are well-fancied. Hooker spots are likely to be taken by Dan Sheehan (1/10), Jamie George (8/15), and potentially Luke Cowan-Dickie (6/5).
Maro Itoje (1/33) is the bookies’ biggest lock, with Tadhg Beirne (1/10) and Joe McCarthy (4/6) also well backed. In the back-row, Caelan Doris (1/5) and Ben Earl (1/5) lead the way, while Tom Curry (8/15) and Jack Morgan (4/6) are still in contention.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Owen Farrell (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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