Former England lock Geoff Parling excited to coach against British and Irish Lions

Former England lock Geoff Parling is gearing up for a unique experience as he prepares to coach against the British and Irish Lions in a Test series in 2025. Parling, who will be the first man to both play for and coach against the Lions, expressed his excitement for the upcoming challenge.

Speaking on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Parling, who won 29 England caps, emphasized the significance of the opportunity ahead. He acknowledged the need to perform well against tough opponents but also highlighted the excitement of coaching in international games with his family by his side.

Australian rugby, currently ranked ninth in the world, is in need of a lift after a disappointing exit from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, the arrival of decorated coach Schmidt has sparked renewed optimism for the future of Australian rugby. Parling believes that the upcoming Lions tour, along with the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the following years, presents a golden opportunity for Australian rugby to thrive.

Having made Australia his home since 2018, Parling feels a strong connection to the country and is looking forward to coaching against teams that hold a special place in his heart, including England. As a dual-passport holder, he considers both England and Australia as his homes and is eager to make a mark in the coaching world on both sides of the world.

With Parling’s wealth of experience and passion for the game, Australian rugby fans can look forward to an exciting journey ahead under his guidance.