FORMER Worcester Warriors lock Richard Blaze has resigned as forwards coach at Leicester Tigers for personal reasons.

Blaze, who came through Warriors' academy, joined Leicester in 2007 before moving into coaching three years later after a foot injury ended his playing career. 

Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “Richard has been an integral part of the environment for a long time for such a young man.

“He has worked extremely hard in a coaching capacity, he is a student of the game and has a real attention to the detail in his work.

“We’re sorry to lose him and we wish him well for the future.”

Blaze was a Premiership finalist with Tigers in 2008 and an England squad member after success with England Saxons.

He made 24 first-time appearances before retiring at the age of 25. He stayed at the club, intially as an assistant before becoming forwards coach.

Blaze said: “I have had an amazing 10 years with the Tigers but for personal reasons I am now standing down as a coach here.

"I retired early as a player but I’ve spent seven seasons as a coach and learned such a lot.

“I would like to thank all the players, the staff and the supporters at the club and I wish the boys all the best for the future.”

Leicester say development coach Brett Deacon will expand his coaching role to include facilitating the lineout on an interim basis until a suitable full-time replacement is found.