Meyer to miss Tigers test

Cockerill to take over in absence of Leicester head coach

Last updated: 30th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Meyer to miss Tigers test

Meyer: Heading to South Africa

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Leicester head coach Heyneke Meyer will miss Sunday's tie against Guinness Premiership leaders Bath because of a serious illness in the family.

The former Blue Bulls boss has returned home to South Africa, leaving forwards coach Richard Cockerill in temporary charge at Welford Road.

The Club Board revealed that they respect Meyer's position and offer him and his family its full support. The extent of his absence will be assessed in early January and will be kept under review.

During his absence, Meyer will maintain communication with the coaching staff, but former hooker Richard Cockerill will be the man making decisions for the big game live on Sky at the weekend.

"Heyneke has made a big impression on everyone at the club since his arrival but we understand the situation he is in and we offer all of the support we can to him and his family," said Tigers chief executive, Peter Wheeler.