Leicester Tigers appoint Borthwick as head coach

Steve Borthwick is to take over as head coach of Leicester Tigers with Geordan Murphy appointed as director of rugby.

Murphy was appointed as full-time coach in December 2018 after an interim stint but the Tigers have struggled badly this season and are second bottom of the Premiership table with just two wins from 11 matches.

The Tigers have consequently opted for a reshuffle which will see Borthwick move to Welford Road at the end of his commitment to England.

Borthwick was forwards coach for an England side who reached the Rugby World Cup final and is working as skills coach under Eddie Jones for the upcoming Six Nations.

“The last four-and-a-half years working with the England team has been an incredible journey. I have worked with some brilliant players and staff,” Borthwick told Leicester’s official website. 

“In particular I would like thank Eddie Jones. To have worked with one of the greatest head coaches in the world for so long has been an unbelievable experience.

“I am delighted to be joining Leicester Tigers as head coach. The Tigers have such a long and successful history and are one of the greatest rugby clubs in the game. 

“Welford Road, with the special atmosphere created by the club’s incredible supporters roaring their team forward, is a very special place to be.

“We must now work to build upon that great history and create our future to get this club to the top of European rugby. It is a brilliant challenge and I am excited to start working with the players and everybody associated with the team.

“Geordan provides a link with the club’s greatest teams and we will be working together to ensure that there are many successful days ahead for this club, and for our supporters to enjoy.”

Steve Borthwick is to join Leicester Tigers as Head Coach with Geordan Murphy appointed to the role of Director of Rugby. pic.twitter.com/QsntxyB9Ay

— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) January 21, 2020

Murphy enjoyed a legendary playing with the Tigers, winning eight Premiership titles and back-to-back Heineken Cups and the Irishman welcomed the addition of Borthwick.

“The players and staff have all been working incredibly hard to get the club back on a pathway to where we all want to be, at the top of the professional game,” Murphy said.

“We have been building a lot of the foundations around recruitment and retention of the playing squad and the success of our academy structure, and we look forward to Steve’s arrival to drive the playing squad onwards.

“Steve is a world-class coach with the skills and determination to get the best out of everyone around him.”

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