Leicester Tigers are excited to announce the new look coaching team for the women’s programme from next season.
Fraser Goatcher has been appointed as the club’s new Director of Women’s Rugby after a long association with Leicester Tigers women’s and juniors, including the role as Head of the Women’s Pathway programme since 2023.
He has also been Women’s Head Coach at Lichfield RUFC for the past three seasons and the Leicester Senior Women’s XV Head Coach since 2024.
Goatcher has also been the Head Coach of the AOC Boys side at Brooksby College and worked as an Independent Schools Rugby Development Officer throughout the county, fostering relationships with schools in the club’s catchment areas of Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Notts-Lincs-Derby, and Norfolk.
On his appointment, Goatcher said: “I am delighted to join Leicester Tigers in this role, which represents the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition, and to be able to do it at a prestigious and historic club like Leicester Tigers is truly a dream come true.”
“My vision for the Leicester Tigers women’s programme is clear; we want to develop the next generation of Red Roses, players who are not only hungry to play at the highest level but who are also passionate about their growth as athletes.
“We will create an environment where players can thrive, develop, and reach their full potential. I want players to see Leicester Tigers as a club where they can come to challenge themselves, be part of something special, and have the opportunity to grow into world-class athletes.
“It’s an exciting time for women’s rugby, and I can’t wait to see the progress we’ll make at Leicester Tigers. This is just the beginning, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey.”
The club also welcomes a new Head Coach for the women’s squad in Ross Bundy.
A Scotland age-grade representative and former Nottingham Rugby player, Bundy moved into coaching after retiring from playing professionally.
He has spent the past two seasons as Forwards & Breakdown Coach for Edinburgh Women’s and Head Coach of Rotterdam Rugby in the Ereklasse, Holland’s top league.
Speaking about joining the club, Bundy said: “I am really excited to be joining Leicester Tigers and can’t wait to get started.”
“When I was offered the role, there was no hesitation – I’ve always had a lot of respect for the club’s history and what makes it stand out.
“I’m looking forward to helping develop the players, the programme, and having a strong season together.”
On his coaching team, Goatcher added: “We are assembling a first-class coaching team that is fully aligned with our vision for the programme at Leicester Tigers, with coaches like Ross having been appointed for their expertise, passion, and commitment to developing players.”
“Together, we will ensure the women’s programme is in the best possible position to succeed long into the future.”
On the confirmation of Goatcher and Bundy, Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchen said: “We are excited for what is to come for the women’s programme at Leicester Tigers with Fraser at the helm in this new, vital role and Ross taking over as Head Coach.”
“Both are not only quality coaches with impressive resumes but also have a strong focus on developing players and improving the environments they are in, which is essential as we look to build on the work done in our first two seasons in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
“This is an exciting announcement, an exciting day, for not only our women’s programme and the women’s game in Leicestershire, but also for the entire club, welcoming in two new quality coaches and quality individuals to Tigers.”
The full coaching, performance and management staff for the women’s programme for next season will be announced in the coming weeks.
Information on Women’s Season Tickets for the 25/26 PWR campaign will be confirmed at 10am on Thursday, April 3.
