Dan McKellar: Australian head coach of Leicester Tigers leaves by mutual consent

Updated 36 minutes ago

Head coach Dan McKellar has left Leicester Tigers by mutual consent after just one season in charge of the Premiership club.

The 47-year-old former ACT Brumbies boss has stepped down as Australia’s forwards coach to take up the role, joining on a “long-term deal” as Steve Borthwick’s permanent replacement after his appointment as England coach.

However, the Tigers endured a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Premiership, 11 points off a play-off place.

They were also beaten by Leinster in the round of 16 of the Investec Champions Cup and lost the Premiership Cup final to Gloucester.

BBC Sport understands former Australia and Argentina head coach Michael Cheika is among the candidates to replace McKellar.

In a statement, Leicester said McKellar’s departure was agreed “following extensive discussions on the future direction of the club”.

The club added that it has begun its search for a new head coach, with pre-season for players not on international duty set to begin on July 1.

Speaking in May, McKellar told BBC Radio Leicester he would “adapt and learn” after admitting he was “very disappointed” with Leicester’s campaign.

“I knew coming here it was a very different competition to Super Rugby so we had to train and I had to make sure my approach was what was needed for this group and this competition,” he said.

“But we didn’t get it – we fell on the back end of games when we should be storming home.”

After winning eight of 11 games before the Six Nations break, the Tigers slumped as the season resumed, losing six of their last eight games in all competitions.

Adam Whitty, BBC Radio Leicester Tigers reporter

This is news that will astound Leicester supporters, because of the timing, as much as anything.

Leicester have had a poor season, of that there is no doubt. The club’s hierarchy don’t look fondly on an eighth-placed spot and Dan McKellar has struggled to implement his more open and expansive style in the team.

However, McKellar appeared to have the club’s backing and had some reasonable excuses for their modest finish – namely that they did not have an attacking coach last year and replaced their head of strength and conditioning this summer.

McKellar moved his family around the world for the role and was incredibly passionate about the position.

Leicester have now had seven head coaches in as many years and pressure could be building at the top over what appeared to be a failed, high-cost recruitment drive.