The formidable figure of Martin Castrogiovanni has become one of the most recognisable in the Premiership Rugby since his move from Calvisano in Italy before the start of the 2006/07 season.

Formerly an Argentina Under-19 and Under-21 international, ‘Castro’ moved to Italy in 2001 to pursue a professional rugby career, and he has hardly looked back, winning more than 60 caps for the Azzurri and being named Guinness Premiership Player of the Season in his debut year – the first prop and the first Italian to collect that accolade.

An ever-present with Italy in two Rugby World Cups, he scored a try in his 50th international Test during the Six Nations in 2008 but then missed the end of the domestic season with injury.

He played his early rugby with Atletico Estudiantes in Argentina after turning his back on basketball, and made his Tigers debut against Sale Sharks on the opening day of the 2006/07 season.

He started the Heineken Cup Final against Leinster in May 2009 after injury ruled him out of the Guinness Premiership Final, and picked up his third Prmeiership winner's medal in 2010 after starting the final win over Saracens. The 2009/10 season also saw supporters Castro winner of the Try of the Season, for his interception score against London Irish at Welford Road.