Leicester Tigers bolster coaching staff with two-time Six Nations winner

Two-time Women’s Six Nations winner Gill Bourke has joined Leicester Tigers’ coaching staff ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The 42-year-old former front-row spent her playing career with Munster, UL Bohemians, Stade Français, Harlequins and Loughborough Lightning.

She also represented Ireland at Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2010 and 2014, and earned 51 caps for her country in a seven-year Test career.

At the 2014 tournament, Bourke was named in the Dream Team following a fan vote. She was joined by Ireland teammate Niamh Briggs in a squad that also boasted the likes of Emily Scarratt, Maggie Alphonsi and Magali Harvey.

After her retirement, Bourke spent six months with the Springbok Women before joining Rugby Australia.

During her two years with the union, she held various roles, including as an assistant with the Wallaroos at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The team, coached by Jo Yapp, exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage.

Bourke has been named lead forwards coach in a much-changed Leicester backroom. The side, which finished bottom of the PWR table last season without a win, have invested heavily in their programme this summer and are looking to improve upon last season.

During the summer, Ross Bundy, who took on the role of head coach ahead of 2025/26, left the East Midlands to join Exeter Chiefs.

Fraser Goatcher continues in his role as Director of Women’s Rugby, while Ben Duke has been named lead backs and assistant attack coach. Duke is also head of community at Tigers and was previously the team’s Under-23s lead.

Taking over the lead U23 role is Ben Slessor. A former Scotland age grade international, Slessor will also oversee the first team’s defence in PWR.

George Cox, who joined the team ahead of 2025/26, has been appointed contact skills coach. The 29-year-old was a member of Northampton Saints’ academy before spending almost a decade with Champ Rugby side Nottingham.

Former Trailfinders Women and Wasps Women athletic performance lead, Adam Dowsett, continues in his role as head of performance following his arrival in February.

The appointments form part of a significant overhaul at Leicester, who will be looking to bounce back after a winless 2025/26 campaign.