Leicester Tigers scrum coach follows Dan McKellar out the door

Leicester Tigers scrum coach Dan Palmer has left the club just days after head coach Dan McKellar was sacked.

Palmer joined McKellar’s coaching staff after last year’s World Cup following his commitments with the Wallabies, having previously worked with McKellar at the Brumbies.

The former Wallaby tendered his resignation shortly after McKellar left Welford Road, saying he could not fully commit to the role.

Rassie Erasmus announces his captaincy for the Ireland series

Rassie Erasmus announces his captaincy for the Ireland series

Academy forwards coach Neil Fowkes will take on the role of scrum coach on an interim basis with pre-season starting on July 1.

Meanwhile, the Tigers said the hunt for a new head coach is underway.

A Leicester statement said: “Leicester Tigers can confirm that the club has accepted the resignation of Dan Palmer from his role as scrum coach.

“He joined the Tigers at the end of October last year following his commitments with Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“Palmer tendered his resignation following confirmation of a mutual agreement with Dan McKellar to end his tenure as head coach at the club, citing his inability to commit to the role going into the new season.

“Meanwhile, with the pre-season program starting on Monday (July 1), Neil Fowkes – the club’s senior forwards coach – will take over the responsibilities of scrum coach for the senior men’s team.

“Fowkes joined the Tigers before last season after spells at Championship clubs Ealing Trailfinders (forwards coach) and Nottingham Rugby (head coach and forwards coach) as well as two years as scrum coach with former Gallagher Premiership club Wasps during 2020-22.

“All other assistant coaches and performance staff, as announced earlier this month, have started work in the 24/25 season.

“The process to appoint a new head coach is ongoing, with an announcement to be made prior to the return of the playing group on July 1.”