Former England lock Geoff Parling says coaching against the British and Irish Lions will be a “unique experience” that he “can’t play down”.
Parling, who starred for the Lions in Australia in 2013, will join Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies staff in July.
In 2025 he will become the first man to play for – and coach against – the Lions in a Test series.
“It is going to be incredible – I can’t play that down – it will be a great experience,” he said.
Speaking to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Parling, who won 29 England caps, added: “It’s really, really exciting but you’ve also got to perform. As we know, it can go one of two ways.
“So I am really excited about it, but not just [the Lions]. We are playing two Tests against Wales and one against Georgia in July. I am also excited about that opportunity there.
“When I did the stint with [former Australia coach] Dave Rennie in 2020 it was during Covid and my family couldn’t come to any of the games. So I am excited about having my wife and three kids experiencing an international game when I am coaching.
“So there are lots of things before that Lions tour as well, but I do appreciate that is a pretty unique experience to be involved in again.”
Australian rugby is in desperate need of a lift. Currently ninth in the world rankings, the Wallabies went out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup at the pool stage, with head coach Eddie Jones departing shortly after.
But the arrival of the decorated Schmidt has led to renewed optimism Australian rugby can recover, with the Lions tour followed by the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the women’s showpiece in 2029.
“Everyone speaks about the golden decade ahead of us, and I think there is a golden opportunity ahead of us with the Lions tour and the men’s World Cup and women’s World Cup,” Parling said.
“Obviously for the lads who were involved in that [2023] World Cup experience, there is lots of frustration there because it didn’t go well.
“But I think there is really good blend here of rugby nous and some really good athletes. In general, people move in Australia better than in the UK. The population are better movers. If you are brought up being outside all the time, I do think in general you move a bit better.
“And you combine that with some of the Pacific power here as well. There is definitely an opportunity here, I am telling you.”
