There are nine new caps in the Ireland Under-20 team for their Six Nations opener against France on Friday.

In a week when the ethos of Munster Rugby has been thrust under the spotlight, perhaps it is fitting the man who was the very embodiment of such ideals and beliefs was honoured forever in Limerick.

In a week when the ethos of Munster Rugby has been thrust under the spotlight, perhaps it is fitting the man who was the embodiment of such ideals and beliefs will be honoured forever in Limerick.

He helped win more than a few against the head when he was playing and now a world record attempt in honour of Munster legend Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley will take place next week when 2,000 people attempt the world’s largest rugby scrum.

Munster return to Paris this weekend for the first time since the unexpected death of their beloved head coach, Anthony Foley, who passed away on Sunday, October 16, sparking an outpouring of grief across the country. 

Your letters, your views...

“Tell them nothing” – the shout from Anthony Foley at the weekly Munster press conference whenever he passed by a player being interviewed. The ‘jibe’ was always always followed by childish chuckle and the squinting of his devilment-filled eyes.

They’ve taken plenty of hits over the years, so it takes something seismic to make big men falter in their step. It seems that moment came yesterday, writes Noel Baker of the Irish Examiner.

The issue of concussion in professional rugby has been at the forefront of discussion over the last number of seasons.

Anthony Foley wasn’t even a twinkle in his father’s eye when the family name hit the rugby headlines for the first time.

Shannon 0 UCD 42

It has been a miserable few weeks for those involved with the once mighty Shannon RFC.

All-Ireland League giants Shannon last night confirmed that head coach Stephen Keogh and his assistant Eoin Cahill have left their roles “by mutual agreement with the club”.

Former rugby great Cllr Gerry McLoughlin (Lab), on being elected Mayor of Limerick last night, showed he is not a Ross O’Carroll Kelly type when it comes to bragging about sporting achievements.

The IRFU launched its ticket price strategy for the 2012-13 season in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the 2010 empty seat fiasco.

Class played a major role in Munster rugby in Munster. A new book sheds light on this and other fascinating developments, writes John Breen

ALAN QUINLAN has promised to take the same positivity that marked his life as a rugby player into retirement when he brings down the curtain on a remarkable career at the end of this season.

SHANNON RFC are set for an early Christmas present thanks to rivals Young Munster and their talisman Paul O’Connell.

SHANNON RFC have unveiled a painting to commemorate the memory of club great, Frankie O’Flynn, who died in 2008.

Dolphin’s Sam Cronin will captain the Ireland Club against the Scotland Club side in the AIB Club International in Donnybrook on Friday evening.

Coach David O'Mahony has selected players from 12 different clubs for the Ireland Club international against England Counties in Stourbridge on Friday night.

THERE were unconfirmed reports yesterday that a second teenage rugby player was assaulted by an adult official at an underage game in Co Limerick on Sunday.

GARDAÍ last night confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault on a teenage rugby player in Limerick yesterday.

SHANNON have lost their appeal against the €25,000 fine imposed on them by the IRFU disciplinary committee arising out of incidents involving senior members of the club and referee George Clancy at the conclusion of last month’s AIB League game against Cork Constitution at Coonagh.

The IRFU Disciplinary Appeal Panel have fined Shannon €25,000 for verbal abuse of the match referee and officials following their AIB League match against Cork Constitution FC on December 5, 2009.

AIB League champions Shannon will have their appeal against a €25,000 fine heard by the Irish Rugby Football Union in Dublin on Wednesday.

DETAILS emerged yesterday of the barrage of abuse launched at a top referee which led to a €25,000 fine being imposed on Shannon RFC following incidents after an AIL game in Limerick.

LIONS head coach Ian McGeechan will delay naming replacements for Jerry Flannery and Leigh Halfpenny until today.

ON time. And within budget.

FOURTEEN days ago, Anthony “Axel” Foley was shivering in Shannon RFC colours helping his beloved club to AIB League victory over Blackrock College in Coonagh.

THE handing over of Thomond Park to contractors for the €40 million redevelopment of the stadium has been delayed by one week.

PAUL O’CONNELL has been named Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year.

AS repair work on the damage to Thomond Park, home of Munster rugby, continues, the scheduled reopening day later this month is still on target, according to senior officials.

ANTHONY FOLEY, described by former Munster coach Alan Gaffney as one of the most astute brains in rugby, will lead Munster again this season.

Munster and Ballygowan have agreed a six figure, three-year deal. Ballygowan will be the official water supplier to the Munster Senior and Under 21 squads.