McLaughlin: This was my biggest day

More than ever, Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin could be excused for feeling miffed at his demotion to hand over to New Zealander Mark Anscombe at the end of June.

As Ulster took a giant step towards their first Heineken Cup final in 13 years, McLaughlin described yesterday’s triumph at Thomond Park as possibly the most memorable of his rugby career.

In contrast to a bitterly disappointed Tony McGahan who bemoaned Munster’s concession of 19 points in the opening 25 minutes, McLaughlin could afford to smile.