After McKellar departure, it was reported that he had lost the confidence of senior Tigers player.

When asked if players had spoken about McKellar to club chiefs, former England international Youngs said: “At this club they have always wanted to get the dial of the players and I think that is really important.

“We don’t make decisions as players but we certainly have an informed view in terms of how we see things and how we have maybe worked with other coaches and done other things.

“I think that relationship is really important and brilliant.

“It’s a complement to the club that they feel comfortable enough, and reassured enough, that they still make the big decisions, of course they do and that’s beyond us as players, but they still have the ability to talk to us, understand, and sit down and chat and communicate.”

When asked what the feelings about last season were, Youngs said there was “frustration” because “what we [were] putting out wasn’t at the standard and level we expect”.

“The general sense was that the squad wasn’t playing at the level it was capable of,” he added.