ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP SIDE Leicester have confirmed the appointment of Geordan Murphy as head coach on a permanent basis despite a poor run of results under his leadership.

The 40-year-old had been holding the position on an interim basis since the opening weeks of the season when Matt O’Connor was sacked after one league game.

“It is a huge honour to be asked to be head coach at a club I know so well,” Murphy, the former Ireland international, said. 

Murphy joined Leicester as a player in 1997, scoring 93 tries in 322 games on the way to eight Premiership titles and two European Cups.

He also represented Ireland 72 times and played in two Tests for the Lions before moving into coaching at Leicester in 2013.

Club chairman Peter Tom said: “Although recent results have not been at the level we all expect, Geordan’s leadership, enthusiasm and hard work during a challenging period have impressed us all.