BLAKE’S BACK .. NOW TIGERS’ FEAT IS MANU
LEICESTER will step up attempts to re-sign Manu Tuilagi after completing the first half of their New Year challenge by landing a defence coach.
Phil Blake, who spent a season at the club in 2014 before leaving shortly before a six-month ban from rugby for breaching RFU betting rules, is back at Welford Road.
He is initially appointed until the end of the season.
Leicester boss Geordan Murphy (right) had been under growing pressure to sort out the Premiership’s leakiest defence which has shipped 355 points in 12 games.
Asked about Blake, he said: “We know him pretty well, we’re pretty comfortable with him. Someone like Phil can add a bit of attitude to our defence.”
Blake, 55, cut his teeth in rugby league before turning to coaching and becoming a popular addition to Leicester’s coaching squad.
Even after being fined and banned for placing eight separate bets on two Tigers games while coaching at the club first time round, he retained the support of his then employers. England’s biggest club will hope having a former Australia defence coach will improve their chances of persuading star man Tuilagi (above) to stay.
Murphy is convinced the 27-year-old’s heart “is in a Tigers shirt” but admits the England centre could make more money elsewhere.
“If that’s what Manu wants, it’s something we couldn’t compete with,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s all about that. Manu cares about this club.” One transfer deal which did go through yesterday saw Jake CooperWoolley agree to join Sale.
The Wasps tighthead has signed a threeyear deal and will leave Coventry in the summer.
Chris Pennell, one of rugby’s great one-club men, has extended his stay at Worcester for another two years.
The 31-year-old fullback has more than 200 senior appearances for Warriors since 2007.
“I’ve been here a long time and the body is feeling really good,” he said. “I’m still feel I’m learning a lot.”
Ospreys lock Adam Beard is likely to be fit for Wales’ Six Nations opener on February 1 despite being taken to hospital with a neck injury a minute into the game against Cardiff Blues.