Many a Tigers fan would prefer to forget certain periods of last season; the damaging injury woes, problems behind the scenes with back room staff and the consistent criticism of Richard Cockerill’s ability as Director of Rugby. Meanwhile a dip in form meant the issues continued on the pitch, with Leicester’s losses stacking up and an annihilation down at The Rec that the supporters would rather pretend didn’t happen.
Despite all this, Cockerill’s side performed when it mattered and finished the season in third place, keeping check on their reputation within the Premiership. So why all the bad press? Undoubtedly not their best season on record, the fact that they managed to make it yet another semi final speaks volumes, whether you believe it was because of talent or just luck.
One of rugby’s greats, Brad Thorn, chose to finish his professional playing career with the Midlands side this season and the attraction of coaching duo Aaron Mauger and Scott Hansen from New Zealand provides good stead for the team. With fresh ideas, methods and morals, Mauger promises to be Leicester’s new lease of life, and alongside defence coach Hansen, who will fill the void left by Phil Blake, the Kiwi additions will certainly revitalise Leicester’s style of play. Due to arrive mid July, the two will have time to settle in at Welford Road and get their feet under the table before the season begins. Hansen will also be working with new signing Jono Kitto, Ben Youngs and Sam Harrison as scrum-half coach.
The Southern Hemisphere vibe continues with the signings of Tongan Opeti Fonua and Brendon O’Connor from the Crusaders. Fonua, who moves from recently relegated side London Welsh, is widely known for his crunching tackles and intense physicality as well as tactical skill and speed. The 28 year old back rower boasts over ten years experience in France, adding to his international knowledge playing for Tonga. A hugely influential player, he will be welcomed at Welford Road to add stability to Leicester’s forward pack in the absence of Julian Salvi, who joined Geoff Parling in moving to Exeter Chiefs over the summer.
Brendon O’Connor is another forward signing to cover those that Cockerill has lost at the end of the season; the 25 year old flanker moves from vast experience in Super Rugby. A year at the Crusaders precedes two at the Blues, where over 40 appearances gives him a good footing to take on the Premiership. A former New Zealand Under 20’s cap and winner of the Junior World Championship, O’Connor is another great name to add to the Tigers team sheet.
London Welsh also lost another player to Tigers over the summer, with Australian back row Lachlan McCaffery, who also boasts experience in Super Rugby, putting pen to paper and signing for Cockerill’s side. He will be accompanied by fellow Wallaby Peter Betham, who moves from NSW Waratahs after displaying a valiant try scoring effort this season. The 26 year old dynamic winger can also play at 15, providing more options for the coaches at Welford Road to conjure up a creative back line to challenge the likes of those at Bath.
Another Kiwi signing comes in the form of 6’5” second rower Michael Fitzgerald, who moves from Super 15 side Waikato Chiefs. Being able to swap to blindside flanker, Fitzgerald provides extensive coverage across the pack for Leicester, and with almost 60 caps for Chiefs, the 28 year old powerhouse adds dimension to any XV.
It looks like the Southern Hemisphere touch could be the mark of Mauger’s reign as head coach. A mix up that could either be the start of something magic or meltdown at Leicester. There is no doubt that there needed to be some sort of revamp down at Welford Road, and perhaps, after last seasons hazy start, this is the turn of a corner to catapult Tigers back to the top of the Premiership.
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