Cockerill, who appeared in 262 matches for the Tigers, has been their acting head coach since Christmas when Heyneke Meyer was forced to return to South Africa for personal reasons.

Since then he has guided the team to the top of the Guinness Premiership and into a position to challenge for a place in the play-offs as well as into the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup.

As a player, Cockerill won five league titles and two Heineken Cup medals with Tigers, and collected 27 England caps.

Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: "Richard has been doing a tremendous job as acting head coach and we have been very impressed by his work in that role.

"He knows what makes this club tick and he is very passionate about bringing the best out of the players and bringing success to Leicester Tigers.

"Richard has worked very well with the players and forged a good team with assistants Matt O'Connor and Paul Burke and the backroom staff.

"We have watched his coaching and management style develop since he joined the coaching staff and we are convinced that he is the man to continue to push Tigers forward."

Cockerill said: "I know that the job of head coach at Leicester Tigers is one of the biggest jobs in rugby and I feel privileged to be given the appointment.

"The players have been fantastic, I have had great support from the staff and I am very happy to be appointed.

“This club is very important to me, it has been a big part of my life and I just want success for Leicester Tigers and the people here.”