Leicester Tigers remove Richard Cockerill from rugby director role

Leicester Tigers have announced the sacking of their director of rugby Richard Cockerill following the club's poor performance in the ongoing season.

The decision comes after the Welford Road outfit dropped out of play-off berths in the Aviva Premiership after defeat to Exeter Chiefs and Saracens in their last two encounters and a humiliating 38-0 defeat to Munster Rugby in the Round three of European Champions Cup.

The 46-year-old was appointed as forwards coach of Leicester Tigers in 2005 replacing John Wells in took over the role of rugby director in 2010.

Cockerill expressed his disappointment on the board's decision to remove him and further wished the club good luck going forward.

"It is with great sadness and regret that I leave my position as director of rugby with immediate effect," said Cockerill.

"I still believe that I am the right person to lead the team at this present time but respect the board's decision to make the change as they see fit in the best interests of the club.

"I wish to thank the club and in particular (chief executive) Simon Cohen and (chairman) Peter Tom for giving me the opportunity to lead this great club and the support they have given me in the last seven years.

"I arrived back at the club in 2004 as an academy coach and leave as director of rugby with a record that speaks for itself and stands up against any in club rugby in the world.

"This club has made me the person and the coach I am today and I will never forget what they have done for me.

"I wish (club captain) Tom Youngs and the team the very best for the future and will miss being part of the Tigers family."

A statement released by the club confirmed former All Blacks international Aaron Mauger as the interim coach and they will be on the look out for the full-time replacement to Cockerill.

"Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger will be in interim charge of team affairs working with coaches Richard Blaze and Geordan Murphy and the existing support staff," read the statement.

"The board will also conduct a review of the coaching structure to determine an appropriate way forward."

During Cockerill's tenure as rugby director, Leicester Tigers reached the final of Aviva Premiership in 2011 and 2012 before going on to clinch the title in 2013.

Leicester chairman Peter Tom thanked Cockerill for his contribution to the club.

"We thank Richard for his loyal and dedicated service as a player, coach and director of rugby," said Tom.

"He has a great passion for the club and for the game of rugby, and has shared in many massive occasions with the Tigers.

"The club always has aspirations to contest the major honours in the game and that remains unchanged but the board believes this is the right time to make a change."