Munster Rugby respond to criticism over venue for Champions Cup opener

MUNSTER Rugby have given their response to criticism surrounding their Investec Champions Cup opening game with Racing 92 in Cork.

The game will take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh tomorrow evening at 8pm on the weekend of the 10th anniversary of the death of former player and coach Anthony Foley.

Many supporters have voiced their displeasure at the decision by Munster not to stage the game in Limerick and the province has this afternoon responded to the option taken to play the game in Cork.

“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.

“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.”

That statement comes on the back of criticism from many, including that of two-time Heineken Cup winner and Munster great Ronan O’Gara.

“The game should be in Thomond Park all day long. All night long too for that matter,” O’Gara said in his weekly Irish Examiner column.

“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 respect to 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.

“I'd wonder was there an organisational conversation about it because, without missing a beat, this decision should have been blindingly obvious. Anthony Foley was pure Limerick, through and through, and while Munster have done right by bringing other games to Pairc Uí Chaoimh to grow audience, this was certainly not one of those occasions.”

Munster announced earlier this week that they will mark the 10th anniversary of Foley's passing with a series of special tributes and commemorative activities around the Investec Champions Cup Round 1 clash.

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.

The 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 Foley.