Leicester Tigers Appoint Stormers Specialist Craig Childs as Defence Coach for 2026-27 Premiership Campaign

Craig Childs moves from the Stormers to Leicester Tigers as defence coach, joined by Rod Seib as the Premiership club revamps its technical staff for 2026-27.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 3:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Tigers Finalize Defensive Appointment From South Africa

Leicester Tigers have officially secured the services of Craig Childs, who will transition from the Stormers to the English Premiership ahead of the 2026-27 season. Childs has been appointed as the club's new defence coach, filling a critical vacancy in Geoff Parling’s backroom staff. While his recent work has been within the professional Stormers environment, Childs is well regarded for his extensive developmental contributions at the University of Cape Town’s Ikey Tigers and Wynberg Boys’ High School. According to Childs, the move to a club with the historical significance of Leicester represents an incredible opportunity, though he remains focused on concluding his current responsibilities in Cape Town before relocating in the summer.

Parling Cites Cape Town Connection in Recruitment

The recruitment of Childs follows a period of scouting and professional consultation by Tigers head coach Geoff Parling, who met the specialist during a previous competitive fixture in Cape Town. Parling noted that after discussions with various players and coaches within the South African circuit, he became convinced that Childs would have a positive impact on the Leicester defensive system. According to Parling, Childs brings a necessary hunger to succeed in the Premiership and understands the specific appetite for defensive aggression required at a club like Leicester. The transition will also see Childs’ family, including his wife Genevieve and daughter Olivia, move to the English Midlands.

Rod Seib Joins Coaching Roster From Connacht

In addition to the appointment of Childs, Leicester has finalized a deal to bring in Rod Seib from the United Rugby Championship side Connacht. Seib possesses a broad coaching pedigree that includes stints with the Brumbies and an Australia XV, bringing significant international experience to the Tigers’ technical setup. Seib expressed a strong sense of responsibility in taking on a role with a club as highly regarded as Leicester, noting that the competitive nature of the Premiership was a primary motivator for his move from Ireland. Like Childs, Seib will complete the current URC season with Connacht before beginning his tenure in England.