Richard Cockerill urges Munster fans to back Anthony Foley

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill sprang to the defence of Anthony Foley last night, saying the province’s supporters should back their under-pressure coach to see the province through its current run of bad form.

Cockerill was celebrating his side’s second win in eight days over Foley having steered Tigers to a 31-19 win at Thomond Park in the Champions Cup round three before returning to Welford Road last night and seeing them overcome an improved Munster side 17-6 to stay unbeaten after four games in the competition. The former Tigers hooker said the home win had been more difficult to achieve and credited head coach Foley with making it such a tough night for his side.

“We were under pressure for large amounts and were probably a bit fortunate to get as big a win as we did,” Cockerill said.