Dan Cole has ended an 18-year association with boyhood club Leicester Tigers, with the former England tighthead leaving his role as recruitment and retention manager for personal reasons after just six months.
Cole, 38, retired from playing at the end of last season after a glittering career with Leicester and England.
Ending with 118 caps for his country and another three for the British and Irish Lions, the former prop won four Prem titles, three Six Nations and played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. He went on two Lions tours, to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.
Leicester sought to keep their legendary tighthead at the club at the end of last season, with Telegraph Sport revealing how Cole, who made his playing debut for the Tigers in 2007, had been lined up for a recruitment role.
At the beginning of the current season, Cole became Leicester’s recruitment and retention manager but that stint has lasted just half a campaign, during which the Tigers have seen two of their highest-rated forwards, George Martin and Nicky Smith, announce future departures. It is understood that family matters have meant that Leicester-born Cole has had to move away from his home town.
No replacement has been announced as yet by Leicester, who end the year fifth in the Prem table, but Telegraph Sport understands that Huw Bevan, Leicester’s head of rugby operations, will be taking on more responsibility in terms of recruitment and retention of players. Bevan arrived this season as part of head coach Geoff Parling’s new-look team, with the Welshman sharing the responsibilities of the Tigers’ former general manager, Richard Wilks, with Cole.
Cole, who made over 300 appearances for the Leicester first team, said: “I am leaving Tigers with a heavy heart. This club means everything to me and it has been an honour to represent the badge.
“Unfortunately, a change in personal circumstances dictates that I cannot give the role the attention it deserves moving forwards so I am stepping away.
“I have no doubt that the club is on strong footing for 2026 and beyond and wish Geoff, the players and everyone at Mattioli Woods Welford Road the best of luck.”
Andrea Pinchen, the Leicester chief executive, said: “Dan leaves the club, but his legacy as a player, employee and most importantly as a person will remain.
“He epitomises the toughness, passion and love for the badge that this club is all about. He will be missed.”
