Edinburgh confirm Richard Cockerill as new head coach

Former Leicester Tigers rugby director Richard Cockerill is set to take in charge of Pro 12 side Edinburgh this summer.

The 46-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Myreside outfit and will take over from interim head coach Duncan Hodge, who will now return to his original role of backs coach.

Last month, Leicester Tigers sacked him from the rugby director role after the Welford Road outfit dropped out of play-off berths in the Aviva Premiership after defeat to Exeter Chiefs and Saracens and a humiliating 38-0 defeat to Munster Rugby in the round three of European Champions Cup with former All Blacks centre Aaron Mauger taking over as interim coach.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson believes the experience of Cockerill will benefit Edinburgh and also thanked Hodge for stepping up as the interim coach.

"I am very pleased to have secured Richard's services given how highly sought after he was from leading clubs across Europe," said Dodson.

"As a highly-experienced, winning coach we targeted him and worked hard to ensure his talents could be secured for the benefit of Edinburgh Rugby.

"I believe his appointment clearly demonstrates our commitment to developing and maintaining success at our professional clubs in Scotland.

"I'd like to thank Duncan Hodge for all his hard work with the club so far and look forward to him continuing to contribute to Edinburgh Rugby."

Following his exit from Leicester Tigers, Cockerill became a part of French club Toulon as a consultant, joining former Bath coach Mike Ford.

Cockerill, who has made 250 appearances for Leicester and 27 Tests for England said he is looking forward to be part of Edinburgh as he is set to make his Pro 12 debut as a coach.

"I am very much looking forward to a new challenge and the opportunity at Edinburgh Rugby ticked all the boxes.

"The conversations I had with Mark Dodson and Scott Johnson (Scottish Rugby director of rugby) were instrumental in understanding what the vision for Edinburgh Rugby is and it is a project I'm excited to be a part of.

"I'm also relishing the chance of coaching in the Guinness PRO12, which is a new league for me, and working with a clearly talented group of players."