Leinster Rugby scrum-half Luke McGrath is relishing the prospect of starting his second Heineken Champions Cup final in as many years on Saturday, having played 77 minutes in the Irish province’s 15-12 victory over Racing 92 in Bilbao last season. The defending champions clinched a place in the 2019 final at St James’ Park in Newcastle after winning six consecutive Heineken Champions Cup matches, including a 30-12 semi-final triumph over Toulouse last month, when McGrath scored a try. And the Ireland international admitted that Leinster are excited at the prospect of taking on Saracens – who have won all eight of their Heineken Champions Cup matches this season – at the home of Premier League football club Newcastle United. The 26-year-old said: “From last year we are a year on and we are much more together as a group. [jwplayer CWHc12Pf] “Coming in as defending champions, we know there is pressure and Saracens are the only unbeaten side in the competition, but we’re all excited for this weekend. “I’ve really enjoyed being in Newcastle for the first time and we’re looking forward to getting around the city for a coffee this afternoon. “The surface is in excellent condition, it’s an incredible stadium and we can’t wait to run out here for the first time tomorrow.” Leinster head coach Leo Cullen stressed that his side would not be distracted by thoughts of a record-breaking fifth European Cup this weekend. https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1126788973735612418 “It’s something that is there in the background, but not something we have thought about really,” Cullen said. “You’ve got to focus on the game, as we are against a team that have got to this stage as well, have been to this stage in the past few seasons and have so many threats across the 23. “We know we will have to perform well on the day. It’s going to be an amazing occasion, with two very good teams at a great stadium here.”

You can watch the Heineken Champions Cup final between Leinster Rugby and Saracens on Saturday at 17:00 BST, with live free-to-air coverage on Channel 4 and Virgin Media. Live coverage will also be provided by BT Sport, FR2 and beIN SPORTS.