Munster Rugby gear up for Champions Cup opener with Racing 92
The game in Cork will also mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of Munster legend Anthony Foley
MUNSTER return to Champions Cup action when they welcome Racing 92 to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork at 8pm.
Clayton McMillan’s men come into the game on the back of a draw with Ulster in the United Rugby Championship where they blew a 26-5 half-time lead.
Munster failed to score in the second half but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance and the three points earned thanks to the draw and the try bonus point that was secured in the opening 40 minutes.
The performance of Marnus van der Merwe, in particular was definitely a source for optimism, as was Munster’s performance in both the scrum and lineout for the majority of the contest in Belfast.
Munster face a Racing 92 side that are currently 12th in the Top14 competition having won two games and lost four. Their wins coming against Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle and Perpignan.
The return to European action for Munster falls the day after the 10th anniversary of the death of former player and coach Anthony Foley. Munster were due to play Racing in the opening game of that season’s Champions Cup but Foley tragically passed in the team hotel hours before the game was due to take place.
Munster have planned a series of special tributes to mark the 10th anniversary of Foley’s passing.
"Supporters are encouraged to play their part in commemorating Anthony’s legacy and the special place he continues to hold within Munster Rugby,” said a statement from Munster.
“Before kick-off, Jean Wallace and members of Shannon RFC will perform 'There Is An Isle' in tribute to Anthony. A photo display showcasing Anthony's incredible career will be present in the 'Red Shed' area of Marina Park, immediately outside the stadium.”
Munster players will wear special commemorative presentation jackets featuring the Munster crest and the number eight. A pre-match presentation involving the captains of Munster and Racing 92 will also take place, with both captains exchanging jerseys featuring the number eight.
During the match, the Munster Rugby Supporters Club will lead a round of applause in the eighth minute to honour Axel. At half-time, Minis matches will take place on the pitch involving boys' and girls' teams from Ballina-Killaloe RFC and Shannon RFC, two clubs which are synonymous with Axel.
The game in Cork is the perfect chance to build on the green shoots of progress that have been evident in their three URC games that they have played this season.
The first half performances against both Glasgow Warriors and Ulster are certainly something to look at in a positive light but scoring only three points in 80 minutes of rugby in those two second half’s is a cause of concern for McMillan.
The early impacts of new signings van der Merwe, Kieran Brooks and Jack Aungier in the front row have bolstered Munster considerably with all three in great form.
Van der Merwe hit the levels that saw him named on the URC team of the year in 2025 against Ulster and has set a standard that Munster fans will hope to see throughout the rest of the season.
Munster will hope to have a strong squad heading into the vital Champions Cup clash with Racing in Cork. Tadhg Beirne made his return against Ulster, while Jeremy Loughman and Craig Casey also got important time on the field.
Munster are firm favourites to come out with a victory against Racing but the French side have plenty of firepower with the likes of Demba Bamba and Romain Taofifenua anchoring a powerful pack on paper.
A full 80 minute performance will be needed for Munster to come away with victory in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and much will depend on what squad Racing end up sending to Cork. The game is live on Premier Sports 1 at 8pm.