As recently as Christmas Eve Richard Cockerill was still convinced there would be a happy end to Leicester’s season. “I’m not sure it’s all doom and gloom,” he said, fixing his inquisitors with his trademark piercing stare. “We’re fifth at the halfway stage of the season and I’d back ourselves to be in the play-offs.” His latter prediction may yet come true but Cockerill will not be the coach who makes it happen.
It is always slightly depressing when a loyal club servant reaches the end of the road. Like dogs and their owners, rugby clubs and their coaches start to reflect each other over time and the Tigers may miss the faithful, boisterous “Cockers” more than they realise. It is almost exactly 25 years since the former England hooker first arrived at Welford Road as a player and barring a two-year stint with Montferrand in France, he has been loyal to a fault.
Related: Richard Cockerill ‘sadness’ after being sacked by Leicester Tigers
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