Hewat, a former full-back who played in the Premiership with London Irish, moves to Tigers as a full-time replacement for Alan Dickens who, BBC Radio Leicester understands, was placed on leave during the season amid an investigation by the Rugby Football Union, which went on to find him not guilty.

McKellar has previously lamented not having a complete coaching set-up at his disposal in his first season in the job, having relied on Matt Smith as an interim replacement for Dickson.

Smith now returns to his role as skills and lead academy coach.

"It's been challenging, in my first year, not having a collective group of coaches I thought I would have," McKellar said.

"It's been incredibly tough. I look forward to be able to have a quality, experienced group around me."

Tigers have also brought former prop Matt Parr back to the club as head of athletic performance after more than two years working in rugby league at French club Catalans Dragons.

Matts gone away to Catalans Dragons in the past couple of seasons to upskill himself and to be ready to take on this role - after our conversations and speaking to those who have worked with him before, hell be able to start day one with the relationships and knowledge of the club to help us hit the ground running," McKellar told the club website., external