The Leicester Tigers Academy has returned to work for the pre-season programme with a new manager as well as a new intake of young players.David Wilks has been appointed Academy manager with overall responsibility for the age-group players in the Tigers system. Wilks previously worked in the Sale Sharks academy in coaching and talent identification, playing a big part in bringing through young players who have made a significant impact in Aviva Premiership Rugby including Mike Haley and Josh Beaumont.   He has also coached at Fylde, Lancashire and with North of England Under-18s after a playing career which included spells with Leeds, Sale, Manchester, Nottingham and Fylde, and representative honours with Cheshire, Lancashire, North of England and England Counties.   Wilks, who is an RFU Level 4 coach, said: “I’m extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with the staff, coaches and the young players at the Tigers Academy.   “Leicester has a long tradition of bringing players through the age-groups and that is something we must maintain. My focus is on identifying and nurturing the very best young talent available and developing a system that maximises the opportunity for them to become the first-team players of the future.” The Academy players, including the new intake, have already reported for their pre-season programme at Oval Park, with their age-group fixtures due to begin in August.