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Cockerill to become Edinburgh head coach
By Jack Davies
Former Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has been appointed Edinburgh head coach from next season on a two-year deal.
The Scottish Pro12 outfit have been on the lookout for a new coach since Alan Solomons stepped down four weeks into the 2016-17 campaign, with Duncan Hodge taking temporary charge.
Cokerill was sacked by Premiership side Leicester last month, ending a 25-year association with the Welford Road club.
The Tigers won three domestic titles during his time in charge of the first team, but had endured an underwhelming start to the season and there were reports of a player revolt and a difference in methods between Cockerill and head coach Aaron Mauger.
Mauger has taken over control of first-team affairs at Leicester and led them to back-to-back victories over Gloucester and Bristol in their last two fixtures.
But Cockerill will now be given the chance for a fresh start with Edinburgh, who sit ninth in the Pro12.
"The conversations I had with Mark Dodson [Scottish Rugby's chief executive] and Scott Johnson [the organisation's director of rugby] were instrumental in understanding what the vision for Edinburgh Rugby is and it is a project I’m excited to be a part of," said Cockerill.
Johnson added: "It was important for us to ensure Edinburgh can develop a more consistent winning record and challenge for higher places in the Guinness PRO12.
"I believe we have a strong roster of coaches now across the board in the professional game in Scotland and we look forward to seeing our teams progress and players develop, which ultimately will support the Scotland national team."
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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