Director of rugby Richard Cockerill has insisted that he takes fully responsibility for Leicester Tigers' poor start to the current campaign.

The 43-year-old has come in for criticism following three successive defeats, which included a 45-0 reverse against Bath last month.

Despite seeing his side drop to 10th in the Aviva Premiership table, Cockerill admits that he does not fear losing his position at Welford Road.

"I am not here to protect my job," he is quoted as saying by The Guardian. "That would be a slow death. I know the score. If a club like Leicester can get rid of the likes of Dean Richards and Bob Dwyer, then I know exactly how it can end.

"We are in this together and we will come out the other end. There is only so much players can say anyway. I need to protect the playing environment.

"I'll talk about things. This is my responsibility. If there is mud being slung, I'll take it. It's my fault if we lose. I'm not worried about getting the sack."

Leicester return to action on Friday night when they host Harlequins.