Leicester Tigers have sacked long-serving director of rugby Richard Cockerill with immediate effect.

A statement from the Tigers on Monday confirmed former England international Cockerill, who took permanent charge of first-team affairs in 2009 following two stints as interim head coach, had been relieved of his duties.

Leicester claimed three Premiership titles and were the 2009 Heineken Cup runners-up under Cockerill, but they have failed to reach the domestic final in each of the last three campaigns.

And this season has so far brought disappointment for the Welford Road club, who sit fifth in the Premiership - 15 points behind leaders Wasps - and third in their European Champions Cup pool.

Chairman Peter Tom said: "We thank Richard for his loyal and dedicated service as a player, coach and director of rugby. He has a great passion for the club and for the game of rugby, and has shared in many massive occasions with the Tigers.

"The club always has aspirations to contest the major honours in the game and that remains unchanged but the board believes this is the right time to make a change."

Cockerill added: "It is with great sadness and regret that I leave my position as director of rugby with immediate effect. I still believe that I am the right person to lead the team at this present time but respect the board's decision to make change as they see fit in the best interests of the club.

"I arrived back at the club in 2004 as an academy coach and leave as director of rugby with a record that speaks for itself and stands up against any in club rugby in the world. This club has made me the person and the coach I am today and I will never forget what they have done for me."

Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger will take interim charge of the first team, while a review of the club's coaching structure will be conducted.