Leicester star Ben Youngs on Martin Castrogiovanni outburst

Leicester's Ben Youngs has described former team-mate Martin Castrogiovanni as 'emotional' after the Toulon star launched a foul-mouthed tirade at Richard Cockerill.

Toulon's defence of the European Champions Cup suffered a blow at Welford Road on Saturday as they fell 25-21 to the Tigers - and Italy prop Castrogiovanni used a post-match interview to criticise Leicester head coach Cockerill for the way in which he handled his departure from the club last year.

Youngs told Sky Sports News: "It's a real shame because it puts a dampener on what I thought was a great game. I think Castro plays with a lot of emotion and the disappointment of going back to his old club and not getting the result probably took over a little bit.

It's a real shame because it puts a dampener on what I thought was a great game. I think Castro plays with a lot of emotion.

"He probably needed Nigel Owens in the press box to ref him. We're not focused on that. We were pleased with the win and this week is all about preparing for the weekend to try and back it up.

"Castro had a good relationship with most of the squad and most of the staff. He played with a lot of emotion with the Italian in him. He obviously came to Welford Road and didn't get the result and it was an outburst of emotion. It's unlike rugby to be like that.

"As players, you try and ignore that and try and crack on with your job.

"As players, you have a role to set an example. The game is on show for everyone so it's important to keep your emotions channelled in the right direction."

Looking ahead to this weekend, when Leicester travel to face Toulon in the return fixture, Youngs added: "Toulon are incredibly powerful. It's the ultimate challenge, going to their place. It's a big ask but it's one our players look forward to."