By Andrew Baldock

Published at 11:25, Monday, 05 January 2009

LEICESTER could lose the services of head coach Heyneke Meyer only months after appointing him as Marcelo Loffreda’s successor.

Meyer is currently on compassionate leave in South Africa, where serious family illness has struck.

Forwards coach Richard Cockerill oversaw Tigers’ 24-22 Guinness Premiership victory against Bath yesterday – and there does not appear to be any immediate sign of Meyer returning.

Leicester face midlands rivals Northampton next weekend, followed by critical Heineken Cup appointments with Treviso and the Ospreys later this month.

Meyer, who masterminded the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls’ Super 14 title triumph in 2007, replaced Loffreda last summer.

Tigers chairman Peter Tom said: “Both of Heyneke’s wife’s parents are seriously ill, and he has gone back to assess the whole situation. We are happy to give him all the time he needs, and I don’t think you can speculate.

“At the end of the day, we accept the family is priority, and the best thing is that Heyneke supports his family.”

Cockerill added: “Heyneke left on Tuesday evening, but he planned the week and I have spoken to him throughout.

“We wish him the best and we respect his privacy.”

It proved a mixed afternoon for two of Leicester’s England contingent as flanker Tom Croft scored two tries – his second arrived in injury time to help complete a stunning fightback from 22-9 adrift – while centre Dan Hipkiss was carried off nursing a hamstring injury.

Lock Stuart Hooper, hooker Pieter Dixon and wing Joe Maddock scored tries for Bath – the west country club were far more adventurous in thought and deed - before Croft sparked Tigers’ fightback.

England flanker Tom Rees was also in the wars, suffering a potentially serious knee injury during Wasps’ 24-18 success against Harlequins at Adams Park.

And there was controversy surrounding the absence of Wasps’ England wing Paul Sackey, who missed the game after being ruled out by England team doctor Mike Bundy.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk