Cockerill is in charge at Welford Road until the end of the season

Leicester Tigers acting head coach Richard Cockerill said he is not concerned by the speculation about who could be given the job full time.

Cockerill, who wants to be considered, told BBC Radio Leicester: "It doesn't affect me, all I can deal with is what happens on Friday [against Bristol].

"If they decide somebody else is better suited to do the job, then fine."

The former Springbok coach Jake White is amongst the names being linked with the Welford Road job.

A win on Friday would see the Tigers move to the top of the Premiership table, at least until their rivals play on Saturday and Sunday.

Cockerill hopes that if he does not get the job, he will still be able to remain at the club.

"As far as I'm aware, I'll stay on the coaching team and do what I've been doing," he said.

"I think I'm capable of doing the job, but it's for other people to decide."

Cockerill played for the Tigers over two spells, including 10 years at the club from 1992 to 2002.

The 38-year-old former hooker, who was capped 27 times by England, is in his second spell as acting head coach.

You can hear full match commentary of Bristol v Leicester Tigers on BBC Radio Leicester on 104.9FM, DAB and online at bbc.co.uk/leicester.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version