CORK — Munster Rugby have defended the decision to stage Saturday's Investec Champions Cup opener against Racing 92 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh amid criticism that tributes to Anthony Foley will be held away from Thomond Park. The fixture, which kicks off at 20:00 BST, falls 10 years on from the death of head coach and former player Foley, who died suddenly in his sleep aged 42 at the team hotel ahead of Munster's European match with Racing 92 in Paris in October 2016.
The move to play the anniversary match in Cork rather than at Thomond Park in Limerick, where Munster play the majority of their matches, has drawn criticism from supporters, with former Munster fly-half and Racing 92 head coach Ronan O'Gara among those to say the game should be at Thomond. In a statement released on Friday, Munster said the decision to play at Pairc Ui Chaoimh was made in March, before the Champions Cup draw took place in July, and that "at that stage, neither Racing 92 nor the anniversary weekend were factors that could have been anticipated in the planning process".
Munster said that when the draw was made and fixtures were released, "operational arrangements for both European fixtures were already significantly advanced" and a change of venue "was not considered practicable", adding that "our focus turned to ensuring that Anthony would be commemorated appropriately and respectfully". Foley, affectionately known as 'Axel', had strong connections to Limerick through Munster and his club Shannon RFC, and before becoming head coach the back row captained Munster to European glory in 2006, won 62 Ireland caps, won the Triple Crown in 2004 and won a second Champions Cup with Munster in 2008.
Tributes planned for Saturday were made with the support of Foley's family and include players wearing special commemorative presentation jackets featuring his number eight, applause in the eighth minute, a rendition of 'There Is An Isle' — the anthem of Shannon RFC — and a photo display in Marina Park outside the stadium. Munster said they respect the views of supporters who feel the game should be at Thomond Park, adding: "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."