Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has unsuccessfully appealed against the length of his nine-game ban but was able to move the dates forward.

The 42-year-old was punished for confronting the fourth official during the Tigers' 37-17 victory over Northampton Saints at Twickenham Stadium on May 25.

Cockerill was initially banned until November 3, but has now managed to bring his suspension forward so that he will miss pre-season friendlies with Jersey and Ulster.

The punishment will now cease on October 18 following the Tigers' Heineken Cup clash with Treviso.

Leicester begin the defence of their title at home to Worcester Warriors on August 8.