Photo via BBC Sport

Moving match to Thomond for Foley tributes 'not practicable' - Munster

Munster Rugby has faced criticism for staging this weekend’s Champions Cup clash against Racing 92 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork, rather than Thomond Park in Limerick, on the 10th anniversary of the death of their legendary coach and former player Anthony Foley. Foley, affectionately known as 'Axel,' passed away in October 2016 at the age of 42, just before Munster’s European fixture against Racing 92—a team he would later lead as head coach.

The decision to keep the match in Cork was made months before the Champions Cup draw, with Munster citing logistical constraints and the need to honor Foley’s memory through planned tributes, including special presentation jackets featuring his number eight, an eighth-minute applause, and a rendition of Shannon RFC’s anthem, 'There Is An Isle.' The province emphasized that operational planning for the fixtures was already advanced by the time the draw was finalized, making a venue change impractical, though they acknowledged supporters’ disappointment at not playing at Thomond Park, where Foley had deep ties through Munster and his club, Shannon RFC. Foley’s legacy includes captaining Munster to European glory in 2006, earning 62 Ireland caps, and winning the Triple Crown in 2004, as well as a second Champions Cup in 2008.

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