Leicester Tigers are delighted to announce that Richard Cockerill has agreed a new five-year contract as the club's director of rugby.After two spells as interim head coach, Cockerill was appointed to the role on a permanent basis during the 2008/09 season, becoming director of rugby in 2010, and has led Tigers to three Premiership titles from five successive Premiership finals, plus a Heineken Cup Final appearance in 2009 and an LV= Cup win.

Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “Richard Cockerill is a key part of the Leicester Tigers and we’re delighted he has agreed terms on a new long-term contract.

“Cockers played for the club and is very much part of the Tigers family. He knows all about the Tigers culture and how to be successful here both as a player and a coach.

“Stability and continuity are extremely important in any successful organisation and, given the challenges of player availability, injury, selection, recruitment and the general ups and downs of professional sport, we see him as the man to continue to drive the team forward.”

Cockerill moved to Welford Road as a player in 1992 and went on to make 262 appearances for Tigers, as well as gaining 27 caps for England. He started a second spell at the club in 2004 after two years in France with Montferrand, joining the coaching staff initially with the Academy.

“This club has been a huge part of my life for a long time now and it is a unique place in professional club rugby,” Cockerill said.

“I am very passionate about the Tigers and in wanting to continue the club’s success. We talk a lot with the players and staff about loyalty and commitment to the club, and that is something I feel strongly about too so I’m very happy to be able to agree a new contract here.

“Everyone here wants to be the best they can possibly be and we drive each other on. There is fantastic support for the team wherever we play, we have top-class players, a strong coaching team and very good backroom staff who all work very hard for the greater good of the club.

“This is a tough environment but it is one that brings out the best in its people.”