Cockerill has quit his role at Edinburgh
FORMER Leicester Tigers player Richard Cockerill has left his role as Edinburgh Rugby head coach to “pursue other opportunities”, writes Bobby Bridge.
The former England hooker leaves by “mutual consent” from the Scottish side, who he joined in 2017.
Cockerill played 262 times for Leicester Tigers, winning five league titles, two domestic cups, two Heineken Cups and he also played 27 times for England.
After two spells in interim charge he was appointed full-time Tigers head coach in April 2009, with Tigers winning the Premiership title and reaching the European Cup final in his first season in the role.
He was sacked in January 2017 with his side 15 points adrift of leaders Wasps.
Discussing his Edinburgh exit, Cockerill said: “Having had constructive conversations with Jim Mallinder and Mark Dodson post-season, it was agreed that we would come to an agreement where I would leave the club by mutual consent to pursue other opportunities.
“I would like to thank everyone at Edinburgh Rugby for the hard work they have put in. It has been a rewarding four seasons for the club.
“I would also like to thank all the supporters for everything they have done for me and the team you have been amazing.
“I wish the staff and players all the best for the future and look forward to watching you in your new stadium.”
Cockerill led Edinburgh to their first Guinness PRO14 play-off campaign, losing in the last eight, and the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals in his first season in charge.
They reached the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals in 2018-19 after winning their pool.
Edinburgh sat top of the PRO14 Conference B when the pandemic prematurely ended the following season and they suffered an agonising 22-19 home defeat by Ulster in the semi-finals when play resumed.
Last season proved difficult for Edinburgh, with the extended international windows depriving Cockerill of a host of players, and they finished fifth in their conference.
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