Photo via BBC Sport

Munster hold on to beat Racing after Foley tributes

Munster opened their 2026-27 Champions Cup campaign with a hard-fought 33-25 victory over Racing 92 in a match steeped in emotional significance. The game took place exactly a decade after the death of Munster legend Anthony Foley, who passed away before a scheduled fixture between the same teams in 2016.

Tributes included a pre-match rendition of *There is an Isle*, Foley’s club song, and a moment of silence in the eighth minute, with neither team fielding a player in his customary number eight jersey. Munster’s attacking prowess shone early, with five tries from Brian Gleeson, Shay McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Fineen Wycherley, and Craig Casey securing their lead, though Racing fought back with late tries from Wilfried Hulleu, Maxime Machenaud, and Joey Manu to narrow the gap.

A late yellow card for Arthur Roche and Casey’s final-minute try sealed the win for Munster, who edged past a struggling Racing side currently sitting 12th in the Top 14 after four losses in six games domestically.

The match also highlighted Munster’s resilience, as they overcame a shaky second-half performance to hold off Racing’s late surge. Despite Racing’s European pedigree—having reached three Champions Cup finals in 2016, 2018, and 2020—they struggled to match their earlier form, with Munster’s disciplined defense and clutch scoring proving decisive.

The victory sets a promising tone for Munster’s campaign, while Racing’s inconsistent start to the season raises questions about their ability to replicate past European success in this iteration.

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