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Leicester laud departing duo

NeilBack
Leicester Tigers have praised the work of Neil Back and Andy Key are who are take up new senior roles with Leeds Carnegie.

Leicester Tigers have praised the work of Neil Back and Andy Key are who are take up new senior roles with Leeds Carnegie.

Former Tigers, England and British & Irish Lions flanker Back, 39, has been named as the new head coach at the Yorkshire club, with Key, 49, joining him as director of rugby.

They will succeed former director of rugby Stuart Lancaster, who has taken up a role as the RFU head of elite player development.

Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “Neil and Andy have both given tremendous service to Leicester Tigers over many years and they now have an excellent opportunity at Leeds Carnegie to continue to develop their careers.

“Neil, of course, is a Leicester Tigers legend and he played a major part in helping to establish Tigers as one of the top rugby clubs in the northern hemisphere, as well as collecting a Rugby World Cup winner’s medal in 2003.

“He is now successfully making the transition into coaching and has been working with young players and also as a specialist defence coach with the first-team squad.

“Andy is also an ex-Tigers player and he has been at the forefront of the success of the Tigers Academy as a coach and an administrator.

“He has played a big role in developing the young players we have seen come through to the senior ranks.

“I have spoken to Neil and Andy and, on behalf of the club, wished them well. Tigers will offer them as much support as possible in their new roles, and they know they will always be made welcome at Welford Road.”