Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has admitted his disappointment following his side's dramatic defeat to Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership semi-finals.

Reigning champions Leicester led 17-6 at half time before a late Tom Wood try secured 14-man Northampton a 21-20 win at Franklin's Gardens on Friday night.

"I'm obviously disappointed. Both sides played very well and everyone threw everything at it," Cockerill told BBC Sport.

"There was the usual controversy, as ever. In the end the discipline cost us but we could have won the game, should have won the game. It was a great game for the neutral. No excuses. They played well. Sometimes you get beaten."

Northampton will face either Saracens or Harlequins in the final at Twickenham Stadium at the end of the month.