Leicester Tigers and England legend Dan Cole has landed his first role post-retirement as he now becomes recruitment and retention manager at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
The former front-rower, who hung up his boots at the end of the last season, now heads up a new recruitment and retention committee at the Tigers to align the club’s senior squad, Academy and pathway programmes.
Cole spent the entirety of his club career in the East Midlands, making 340 appearances across his 18-year career and winning four Prem titles along the way.
‘He has always shown a keen interest in this area’
He will now head up the new committee at the club, working alongside incoming head coach Geoff Parling, club finance director and salary cap officer Fintan Kennedy, head of pathway and rugby partnerships James Wade and head of analysis Matt Egan.
Commenting on the appointment of Cole, Tigers’ chief executive officer, Andrea Pinchen, said: “We are delighted to be able to keep someone of Dan’s experience and knowledge at Leicester Tigers.
“He has always shown a keen interest in this area and, as anyone who knows him will attest, his attention to detail and professionalism are second to none. His playing career was as successful as it was because of his work ethic, but also his commitment to learning and evolving every step of the way.
“Add to that that 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.
“Dan will be a great fit, there’s no doubt about that, and with the appointment of the new Head of Rugby Operations to oversee the process and refreshed staffing structure, I am confident in what is being put in place.”
The confirmation of Cole’s new role also comes following the departure of head of performance recruitment, Richard Wilks.
Leicester Tigers have also confirmed Parling is now in the UK and has already taken over pre-season training. Parling recently served as Wallabies assistant coach.