Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has admitted that his team 'got what they deserved' following their 45-0 defeat to Bath.

The Tigers were hammered at the Recreation Ground on Saturday as they lost for the first time this season in the Aviva Premiership.

While insisting that Bath performed strongly yesterday afternoon, Cockerill concedes that his side fell well below their usual standards.

"Credit to Bath - it was pretty average from us, at best, and we got exactly what we deserved," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"It is my responsibility, my fault. I pick the team, I coach the team, the loss today is down to me. It hurts every time you play as poorly as that - we got our backsides smacked and that's how it is."

Leicester have the chance to redeem themselves next Saturday when they hosts London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.