'They had giants of the game, but the innocence of youth got me through'

Lansdowne coach Mark McHugh recalls taking on mighty Leicester as a Leinster rookie — and thriving

Kicking king: Mark McHugh in action against Leicester Tigers at Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin in 1999. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Every time Leinster are drawn against Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Champions Cup Mark McHugh goes back in time to remember one of the greatest days in his rugby career.

These days the once-capped Irish outside half is the head coach at Lansdowne. Back in 1999, he was a young player trying to forge a career in the newly professionalised game of rugby.