Dan Hipkiss made his career start in 2001 after recovering from a knee injury, then played in the 2003 IRB U21 World Cup. which is the premier tournament for male rugby union players under the age of 21.
Having overcome a career-threatening injury to his left knee in November 1999, Hipkiss made his first start for the Tigers' U21s against Leeds on 9 November 2001, scoring a try on his debut. Hipkiss was one of five Leicester players called up for the 2003 IRB U21 World Cup. The IRB Under 21 Rugby World Cup was the premier tournament for male rugby union players under the age of 21, organised by the sports governing body the International Rugby Board (IRB) annually from 2002 through 2006. 
