Orlando Bailey, the talented fly-half, is embracing a fresh start with the Leicester Tigers, one of England's most prestigious rugby clubs. Bailey, who previously spent five years at Bath, is thrilled to be part of a squad that is undergoing significant changes under the leadership of Geoff Parling, a former England and British and Irish Lions lock.

A New Beginning Bailey expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter at Leicester, stating, "They've all been very welcoming, and it's been good fun." He admitted that moving from Bath, where he had been since his debut at 18, was a big step. "I wasn't sure how accepted it would be to join from Bath," he said. However, the transition has been smooth, thanks to the camaraderie within the team. "Moving to a rugby club, you automatically gain 30 or 40 friends, which does make the whole process easier," he added.

Challenges and Opportunities Bailey faced stiff competition at Bath, particularly from Finn Russell, an exceptional player. "There was a bit of congestion at Bath in the fly-half position with Finn Russell, who's an amazing player," Bailey explained. Despite the challenges, he managed to contribute off the bench but was hindered by injuries last season. "I had a few injuries last season, which was very frustrating and left me thinking I needed a bit of a fresh start," he said.

Under Parling's Leadership Geoff Parling, who took charge of the coaching team, has already made a significant impact. Bailey praised Parling's leadership, saying, "He's a really top leader, and he's got a good hold on the group already." The new-look Tigers are focused on evolving their play style while maintaining the traditional values of Leicester. "I'm excited about the way we want to play - holding the traditional values of Leicester by being physical and having a strong set piece, but also moving the ball," Bailey shared.

Looking Ahead Bailey is motivated by the strong competition within the team, including new signings like James O'Connor, Billy Searle, and Charlie Titcombe. "We've been fighting hard and have become good mates off the pitch already, which is great," he said. The Tigers are set to face Saracens in their upcoming match, and Bailey is eager to contribute to the team's success. "They're exciting players - we've just got to get them the ball and let them do their thing," he said.

Upcoming Matches Leicester Tigers will host Saracens on Saturday (15:00 BST) and visit Harlequins on 19 September (19:45) in the Prem Rugby Cup. Their league campaign kicks off at Bristol Bears on 28 September (15:30).