Cockerill jumped straight into a short-term role with Toulon after being sacked by Leicester Tigers last month following eight years at the Welford Road helm.

Now the 46-year-old has agreed to take on a new challenge with the Scottish capital club, in a rapid return to permanent coaching work.

BREAKING | Richard Cockerill has been appointed Head Coach of Edinburgh Rugby with effect from the start of next season. pic.twitter.com/jGErTYng9q

— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) February 20, 2017

Cockerill, who won 27 caps for England, said: "I am very much looking forward to a new challenge and the opportunity at Edinburgh Rugby ticked all the boxes.

"The conversations I had with Mark Dodson (Scottish Rugby chief executive) and Scott Johnson (Scottish Rugby director of rugby) were instrumental in understanding what the vision for Edinburgh Rugby is and it is a project I'm excited to be a part of.

"I'm also relishing the chance of coaching in the Guinness PRO12, which is a new league for me, and working with a clearly talented group of players."

Speaking about the appointment of the 46-year-old, Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson said:

"I am very pleased to have secured Richard's services given how highly sought after he was from leading clubs across Europe."

"As a highly-experienced, winning coach we targeted him and worked hard to ensure his talents could be secured for the benefit of Edinburgh Rugby.

"I believe his appointment clearly demonstrates our commitment to developing and maintaining success at our professional clubs in Scotland.

"I'd like to thank Duncan Hodge for all his hard work with the club so far and look forward to him continuing to contribute to Edinburgh Rugby."

Edinburgh's existing coaching trio of Hodge, Stevie Scott and Pete Wilkins will remain at the club to work under Cockerill.