Munster have issued a statement following criticism from some supporters that this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup match isn’t taking place at Thomond Park to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Anthony Foley.
It was October 16, 2016, when the former Ireland and Munster back-rower passed away at the age of 42 in a Parisian hotel before a European match away to Racing. Foley, who had been head coach at the Irish province for two seasons, had stayed on at the club as an assistant coach under Rassie Erasmus.
Munster’s match with Racing was postponed and the team instead next played the following weekend at home to Glasgow in Europe, the day after Foley’s funeral.
Ten years later, Munster are now hosting Racing 92 in a home European game, but this Saturday’s match is taking place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork rather than at Thomond Park in Limerick, the place most associated with Foley’s stellar career.
“The most fitting setting for this occasion…”
Amid sluggish ticket sales for the Champions Cup opener, criticism has been voiced in recent weeks by supporters unhappy that the match was scheduled for a Cork GAA stadium instead of Limerick.
The controversy has now prompted Munster to issue a statement to defend their decision to play at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. “Munster Rugby understands why some supporters are disappointed that Saturday’s fixture against Racing 92 is not taking place at Thomond Park on the weekend of the tenth anniversary of Anthony Foley’s passing,” it began.
“Anthony’s connection with Limerick, Shannon RFC and Thomond Park is woven into the history of our province, and we fully appreciate why many people feel Thomond Park would have been the most fitting setting for this occasion.
“The decision to stage a Champions Cup fixture at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh was approved in March, before the Champions Cup draw took place, before opponents were known and before fixture dates and kick-off times were confirmed. At that stage, neither Racing 92 nor the anniversary weekend were factors that could have been anticipated in the planning process.
“The decision reflected our commitment to bringing major Munster Rugby occasions to supporters across the province and followed the success of hosting a European fixture in Cork last season. Season tickets were subsequently sold on that basis. Munster also requested a different sequence of European fixtures for the 2026/27 season, but our preferred arrangement was not accommodated.
“Saturday’s game is expected to attract approximately 25,000 supporters and is likely to be one of the most highly attended fixtures across the opening round of the Champions Cup, reflecting the continued strength of support for Munster Rugby throughout the province.
“Once the draw and fixture schedule were confirmed in July, it was clear that the match would take place on the weekend of the tenth anniversary of Anthony’s passing. However, by that stage season tickets had been sold and planning, ticketing and operational arrangements for both European fixtures were already significantly advanced.
“A change to the venue allocation was not considered practicable and our focus turned to ensuring that Anthony would be commemorated appropriately and respectfully. This was not a decision to move an Anthony Foley anniversary fixture away from Thomond Park. The venue decision had been made before the opposition, and the fixture date were known.
“Once those details were confirmed, our focus became ensuring that Anthony would be commemorated appropriately and respectfully. Those plans have been developed with the knowledge and support of the Foley family and in conjunction with Racing 92, Shannon RFC, Ballina-Killaloe RFC and supporters connected to both clubs.
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“We recognise that, with the benefit of hindsight and the emotions understandably attached to this anniversary, many people will hold a different view on where this fixture should have been played. We respect those views.
“What unites everyone is their admiration, affection and gratitude for Anthony Foley and his extraordinary contribution to Munster Rugby. Our focus now is on ensuring that this weekend provides a fitting tribute to one of the greatest figures in our history and that he is remembered with the dignity, respect and love that he deserves.”