Richard Cockerill signs new Leicester Tigers contract

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has signed a new three-year contract at Welford Road.

Cockerill has been in charge since 2009 following two separate spells as acting head coach and has guided the club to four Premiership finals.

Leicester lost this season's final but won the title in 2009 and 2010 and reached the 2009 Heineken Cup final.

Chairman Peter Tom said: "Richard has played a key role both as a player and coach over almost 20 years."

Cockerill, who won 27 England caps, joined Tigers as a player in 1992, making 262 appearances and winning five league titles, two domestic cups and back-to-back Heineken Cups.

He returned to Welford Road as part of the coaching set-up in 2005.

Tom added: "He has established a strong backroom team as well as developing a strong playing squad, and he has continued to grow into the role as director of rugby with each season.

"He is very aware of the role that the club's unique culture plays in our present and our future, and we look forward to him continuing to drive the team forward in coming seasons."

Cockerill said: "This is a very special place to work and to play your rugby, and I have been fortunate enough to be involved in some very successful teams in my time here.

"I enjoy being able to work with people who thrive in our environment, whether they come through the club's academy or come in from outside.

"We've got a very good squad and a very strong team behind the scenes, and I hope we can continue to bring success to this great club."

Cockerill watched a side depleted by international call-ups and injuries lose five of their opening six Premiership matches this season.

Tigers were second from bottom of the Premiership in October.

But they went on to lose only one further league match to finish second in the table, and a largely second-string line-up also lifted the LV= Cup after beating Northampton in the final.