Munster say switching Anthony Foley anniversary game to Thomond Park was 'not practicable'

Munster said the 'venue decision had been made before the opposition, and the fixture date were known'

Munster face Racing 92 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the Champions Cup 10 years on from the death of Anthony Foley. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Munster Rugby have defended their decision to stage Saturday’s Champions Cup-opening home fixture in Cork on the 10-year anniversary of Anthony Foley’s death in the face of criticism led by Ronan O’Gara that the game should have been played at Thomond Park.

O’Gara used his Irish Examiner column on Friday to call the province’s choice of SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the pool game against Racing 92 an “own goal” and “a classic case of Munster Rugby not helping themselves”.

A long-standing Munster and Ireland team-mate of the former fly-half, Foley passed away in tragic circumstances in Paris in 2016 at the age of 42, on the eve of a European pool tie with this weekend’s opponents at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.

O’Gara wrote: “The game should be in Thomond Park all day long. All night long too for that matter. Axel is Shannon, Limerick, Thomond Park, the embodiment of all three great institutions. If this sounds strange coming from a Cork man it’s because, in this instance, it’s coming from a Munster man.

“You could bring any other game to Páirc Uí Chaoimh but don’t do it on the 10th anniversary of this great man’s tragic death. The Limerick people would fill Thomond Saturday night to its 26,000 capacity all on their own as a mark of pto one of their folk heroes - and would stir up a great Munster rugby occasion in the process. This is a classic case of Munster Rugby not helping themselves.” 

Munster Rugby have organised tributes to honour their former player, 2006 Heineken Cup-winning captain and head coach, including retiring the number 8 jersey for the night. Foley had worn it with distinction between 1995 until his retirement in 2008 and his current successor at No.8, Brian Gleeson will instead wear the number 24 on his back when he starts against Racing.

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, Munster Rugby acknowledged the disappointment of “some supporters” that the game was not being staged at Thomond Park but said the decision to move the fixture to the home of Cork GAA had been taken before the pool draw and match schedule had been decided.

“Munster Rugby understands why some supporters are disappointed that tomorrow's fixture against Racing 92 is not taking place at Thomond Park on the weekend of the tenth anniversary of Anthony Foley's passing,” the statement read.

“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. Tomorrow'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.

“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.”