The white smoke that Leicester Tigers used in their social media post to signify the imminent appointment of Geoff Parling as head coach was a self-referential nod to a process that has taken as many twists and turns as a Robert Harris novel.

The former lock made nearly 100 appearances for Tigers as a player and will take up his role after coaching against the British and Irish Lions this summer

Former Leicester Tigers player Geoff Parling will replace Michael Cheika as head coach for next season once his assistant role with Australia ends, the English Premiership club said on Monday.