Munster head coach Anthony Foley has died at the age of 42.
Foley passed away overnight at the team's hotel in Paris ahead of Munster's European Champions Cup game against Racing 92 on Sunday afternoon.
The match was postponed after the sad news emerged and will be rescheduled for a later date.
A statement from the Irish Rugby Union read: "It is with deep regret that the Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Rugby must advise of the passing overnight of Munster Rugby head coach Anthony Foley, at the team hotel in Paris.
"Munster Rugby management are liaising directly with Anthony's family and will provide them with any assistance and support required.
"The IRFU and Munster Rugby pass on our deepest sympathies to all of Anthony's family and friends and ask for privacy for the family at this sad time.
"As a mark of respect to Anthony and his family and and to support players, management and staff, Munster Rugby have requested that today's match against Racing 92 be rescheduled.
"Munster Rugby thank Racing 92, EPCR, broadcasters and partners, and the many fans who travelled to Paris for their understanding and support at this time."
Foley played for Ireland 62 times as a back-row forward and captained his country on three occasions. He also led Munster to their first European Cup triumph in 2006.
He made a try-scoring international debut against England in the 1995 Six Nations, but it was from 2000 to 2005 that he became established as a key figure in Ireland's team.
Foley made just one substitute appearance at the 1995 World Cup before starting two matches at the 2003 tournament, and last featured in international rugby during the 2005 Six Nations.
He retired from playing in 2008, leaving Munster after making more than 200 appearances for the provincial side.
He was named head coach of Munster in 2014 after having also coached the Munster 'A' team, the Ireland Wolfhounds and the Irish forwards on a temporary basis in 2012.
Foley is survived by his wife Olive and two sons Tony and Dan.
His father Brendan, who was with the Munster party in Paris at the time of his son's death, was a lock forward who won 11 Ireland caps and was part of the Munster team which beat the All Blacks in 1978.