Phil Blake will join Leicester Tigers staff as defence coach in time for the new season.
London-born Blake enjoyed a long and successful playing career in rugby league in the southern hemisphere before coaching in both codes, including spells with Western Force and as defence and skills coach with Australia under Robbie Deans.
He has been head coach of Australian club Manly since 2013 and led them to a 10-game unbeaten start to the Shute Shield season as well as being appointed head coach of the North Harbour Rays for the inaugural National Rugby Championship season.
Blake, 50, will join the Tigers coaching team alongside director of rugby Richard Cockerill and coaches Paul Burke, Richard Blaze and Geordan Murphy.
Director of rugby Cockerill said: “I’m delighted that Phil has agreed to join us in the role of defence coach. He is very well thought of in the game and very experienced, and has worked in a number of different environments, including Super Rugby and at Test level in Australia.
“He joins a very strong group of coaches at this club and we look forward to working with Phil in his new role.”
London-born Blake enjoyed a long and successful playing career in rugby league in the southern hemisphere before coaching in both codes, including spells with Western Force and as defence and skills coach with Australia under Robbie Deans.
He has been head coach of Australian club Manly since 2013 and led them to a 10-game unbeaten start to the Shute Shield season as well as being appointed head coach of the North Harbour Rays for the inaugural National Rugby Championship season.
Blake, 50, will join the Tigers coaching team alongside director of rugby Richard Cockerill and coaches Paul Burke, Richard Blaze and Geordan Murphy.
Director of rugby Cockerill said: “I’m delighted that Phil has agreed to join us in the role of defence coach. He is very well thought of in the game and very experienced, and has worked in a number of different environments, including Super Rugby and at Test level in Australia.
“He joins a very strong group of coaches at this club and we look forward to working with Phil in his new role.”
