London - Leicester Tigers head coach Heyneke Meyer resigned on Wednesday following a period of compassionate leave in his native South Africa, the club said.

"It is with deep regret that we accept Heyneke's resignation because he has an outstanding record of achievement in his career, everyone was very supportive of him here and we could all sense success with him as head coach," Tigers chairman Peter Tom told the club's website.

"But Heyneke found himself in a very difficult situation and we fully understand the reasons for his decision to remain in South Africa."

The 41-year-old Meyer signed a three-year contract in June last year, replacing Argentine Marcelo Loffreda, after leading the Bulls to the Super 14 title in 2007 - the first triumph by a South African side in the southern hemisphere's leading competition.

The Tigers lie fifth in the Premiership and are through to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

"This has been a very difficult decision for me to make, in difficult circumstances, but I hope everyone can understand my reasons," Meyer said.