Tigers boss hit with nine-match ban

Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill has been hit with a nine-match ban for abusing a match official during the Premiership Final.

Cockerill pleaded not guilty to conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the Game contrary to RFU Rule 5.12 by using obscene, and/or inappropriate and/or unprofessional language/behaviour in an exchange with fourth official Stuart Terheege at Twickenham on May 25.

But the RFU panel found that Cockerill used words that were obscene, inappropriate and unprofessional and behaviour that was inappropriate and unprofessional.

Cockerill will be suspended from involvement in match day coaching activities, before during and after matches, from September 7 to November 2 2013. He will be free to resume matchday coaching activities on November 3.

Cockerill, who has the right of appeal, was also ordered to pay £500 costs.