Everard stood down as Tigers defence coach

Matt Everard first came through at Leicester Tigers as an academy player

Matt Everard has been stood down as Leicester Tigers defence coach.

BBC Radio Leicester report that the 34-year-old is unlikely to return to the post, although the club is yet to confirm his departure.

Former Leicester player Everard returned to the East Midlands club in October 2022 following the financial demise of his former side Wasps.

He initially joined as a senior academy coach, but was elevated to defence coach under former head coach Dan McKellar for the 2023-24 season.

He remained in the role after McKellar's departure last summer and has worked under Michael Cheika since.

While Tigers are fourth in the Premiership table and have reached the last 16 of the European Champions Cup, they have suffered some heavy defeats in both competitions.

The 80-12 defeat against Toulouse in January was the heaviest loss they have suffered in Europe's top club competition, and they gave up a record amount of points at home in a Premiership game when beaten 54-24 by Bristol Bears in December.

Cheika himself is in his final four months at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, with Leicester confirming in January that they are searching for a new boss because the former Australia and Argentina head coach will not be staying beyond the end of the season.