Leicester Tigers sack director of rugby Richard Cockerill after falling out of play-off places
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Leicester have parted company with director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
The Tigers have dropped out of the Aviva Premiership's play-off berths after consecutive defeats to Exeter and Saracens, while also recently suffering a record 38-0 European defeat at the hands of Munster.
Former England hooker Cockerill has coached at Leicester since 2004 and took full control over technical affairs in 2010.
Leicester's slender 16-12 defeat to Saracens at Welford Road on New Year's Day proved the final straw for the Tigers board.
Head coach Aaron Mauger has been placed in "interim charge" at Welford Road, as the hierarchy evaluate their options.
(Photo: PA WIRE)
"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."