Cockerill's side are top of the Premiership

Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill says next season's squad must be smaller for financial reasons.

Cockerill told BBC Radio Leicester: "If you want to keep the quality, your squad has to be smaller - and in some cases guys won't be replaced.

"I know a lot of people are leaving but we can't afford to keep everybody."

Winger Lote Tuqiri has already left, while fellow backs Johne Murphy, Aaron Mauger and England forward Lewis Moody are off at the end of the season.

There is also mounting speculation that Moody's fellow England internationals Ben Kay and Sam Vesty could also be departing in the summer.

The only new face definitely on his way at this stage is forward Thomas Waldrom.

Cockerill added: "Some guys have already been replaced and some guys will be coming in for pre-season.

"The squad will be a little bit smaller because every time someone is out of contract I can assure you that they don't come in and ask for less money.

"We have signed other guys who will replace some of those leaving but until we decide it's the right thing to announce them we'll keep that to ourselves.

"We will be looking to get as good a squad as we can for what the salary cap can afford you to spend."

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