McLaughlin looking to bow out with pride

McLaughlin has steered Ulster to within touching distance of their first European title since 1999, although knows the challenge against reigning champions Leinster Rugby will be a mighty one on Saturday in front of a record 82,000 full house.

The all-Irish affair at the home of English rugby is the fourth time the Heineken Cup Final has been played between two teams from the same country and McLaughlin is hoping the most prestigious club trophy in world rugby heads north to Belfast, rather than south once more to Dublin.

"Saturday will be the pinnacle of my rugby career so far and I have no doubts that the Ulster side will show everyone in Europe what a quality team they are," said McLaughlin, who will take over as Ulster's Academy and Schools manager next season.

"We have had a great competition. The Leicester Tigers game at home gave us great confidence and then the experience in Clermont allowed us to soak up the big match atmosphere and get us ready for the trip to Thomond Park.

"It was a great feeling to go to Limerick and beat Munster and then we were able to play in front of our own fans in Dublin against Edinburgh. Now we just can't wait to get on to the pitch at Twickenham and show everyone what we can do.

"It has been a while since both teams have been at full strength against each other and it should be a great occasion. It is going to be a record crowd for a Heineken Cup Final, the biggest crowd an Ulster team has ever played in front of - it's great to be a part of things like that.

"The battle at the breakdown is going to be crucial and we'll have to see how Nigel Owens referees that phase of the game and adapt as we get into the game. Leinster are very good at slowing things down.

"We need to take the points when they are on offer to us and put away our chances. We did that against Leicester at Ravenhill, Munster at Thomond Park and Edinburgh at the Aviva. We must do the same at Twickenham."