Cockerill reveals reasons behind Edinburgh contract extension

Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill has signed a two-year contract extension with the Pro14 club.

The former Leicester Tigers boss was handed a two-year deal to take over at the start of this season following a spell with Toulon.

Cockerill has guided Edinburgh to third in Conference B and the Englishman has been rewarded with a contract until 2021.

"I saw this as a fresh challenge and have really enjoyed getting stuck in at Edinburgh," Cockerill said.

"There is still a lot to do at the club and I wanted to stay and continue working with a great group of fellow coaches and hard-working players.

"We are building a better squad and a better culture, bit by bit, with the aim of improving results and making us more competitive and consistent.

"The support I've received from Scottish Rugby since I arrived has been first-class and I'm excited about what the future will hold for Edinburgh Rugby if we continue to apply ourselves in the right way.

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Cockerill also guided the club to the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup, where they lost 20-6 at home to Cardiff Blues.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, said: “I have been delighted by the impact Richard has had since his arrival and so it was the right decision to retain his services through to 2021.

“We have worked hard to secure a world-class coaching group in Scotland and Richard has put down strong foundations which is both improving our players and underpinning the work being done off the pitch to take the club forward.

“I know Richard sees Edinburgh Rugby as a long-term project and while there has been a positive start we all expect the progress to continue in the coming seasons.”

He is undergoing an overhaul of playing staff at the club, 10 players departures were confirmed earlier this month, including Cornell du Preez and Duncan Weir.

Cockerill said at the time: “I’d like to thank all the players for their commitment to this club during the time I’ve known them.

“They’re all good men and continue to work hard for Edinburgh as we reach a pivotal part of the Guinness PRO14 season. I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavours.”

Departing Players: Kevin Bryce, Glenn Bryce, Neil Cochrane, Robbie Fruean, John Hardie, Elliot Millar-Mills, Matt Shields, Cornell du Preez, Jason Harries, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Jordan Lay, Duncan Weir, Jason Tovey, Tom Galbraith, Phil Burleigh, Junior Rasolea

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