Richard Cockerill has joined the coaching of three-time European Cup winners Toulon, just days after being sacked as Leicester Tigers director of rugby.

The former England hooker has signed a deal that will keep him with the Top 14 side until the end of the season.

"At the request of our manager Mike Ford and with the agreement of all the staff of the Rugby Club Toulon, Richard Cockerill will reinforce the staff of the first team of the club in the coming days as a rugby consultant until the end of the season," the club said in a statement on Friday.

"Richard Cockerill, who coached the Leicester Tigers from 2005 to January 2017 as the forwards coach and then as the senior coach, will work under the authority of Mike Ford and in co-operation with forwards coach Marc Dal Maso and skills coach Steve Meehan."

Cockerill had been director of rugby at Leicester Tigers for the past six years, taking charge after they successfully defended their Aviva Premiership crown in 2010.

The 46-year-old joined the club as a player in 1992 and made 262 appearances before taking a coaching position within the club in 2004.

Ricahard Cockerill during his final game at Leicester Tigers. Image: Richard Sellers PA Wire/PA Images

During his playing career, Cockerill won five league titles, two domestic cups and back-to-back European Cups. He also earned 27 caps for England.

"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," he said following his sacking on Monday afternoon.

Toulon sit sixth in the Top 14 table and face Clermont Auvergne this Sunday in the French top flight. This preceeds back-to-back European Champions Cup ties with English sides Sale Sharks and Saracens.