Cockerill to become Edinburgh head coach

Former Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has been appointed Edinburgh head coach from next season on a two-year deal.

The Scottish Pro12 outfit have been on the lookout for a new coach since Alan Solomons stepped down four weeks into the 2016-17 campaign, with Duncan Hodge taking temporary charge.

Cokerill was sacked by Premiership side Leicester last month, ending a 25-year association with the Welford Road club.

The Tigers won three domestic titles during his time in charge of the first team, but had endured an underwhelming start to the season and there were reports of a player revolt and a difference in methods between Cockerill and head coach Aaron Mauger.

Mauger has taken over control of first-team affairs at Leicester and led them to back-to-back victories over Gloucester and Bristol in their last two fixtures.

But Cockerill will now be given the chance for a fresh start with Edinburgh, who sit ninth in the Pro12.

“The conversations I had with Mark Dodson [Scottish Rugby’s chief executive] and Scott Johnson [the organisation’s 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,” said Cockerill.

Johnson added: “It was important for us to ensure Edinburgh can develop a more consistent winning record and challenge for higher places in the Guinness PRO12.

“I believe we have a strong roster of coaches now across the board in the professional game in Scotland and we look forward to seeing our teams progress and players develop, which ultimately will support the Scotland national team.”