Old rivalry renewed as Leicester Tigers back on the prowl at Thomond Park

Back to back Pro12 defeats for Munster may represent a short, sharp shock for head coach Anthony Foley but what comes next on the European stage resembles something more akin to the return of a long, nagging itch.

Home and away Champions Cup pool tussles with Leicester Tigers, beginning this Saturday evening under the Thomond Park lights, bring back a plethora of memories for supporters, players and current team bosses alike as a long-standing rivalry between former Heineken Cup winners is renewed over the next fortnight.

Four times have the two former giants of the Heineken Cup met dating back to the 2002 final and the infamous Hand of Back in Cardiff with honours even at two wins apiece, although neither side has beaten the other on their home ground.