Skip to content

No decision on Munster tie with Glasgow following Anthony Foley's death

Munster coach Anthony Foley
Image: Anthony Foley died while with Munster in Paris last weekend

Munster have yet to determine whether Saturday's Champions Cup tie against Glasgow Warriors will go ahead as scheduled.

Head coach Anthony Foley's death, aged just 42, led to Sunday's meeting with Racing 92 in Paris being postponed.

The Irish province have since made the concerns of former Ireland No 8 Foley's immediate family their top priority.

So while players and coaches met on Tuesday at their University of Limerick base, Munster continued to refrain from a firm decision about whether to play Saturday's match at their Thomond Park home.

"The Munster squad gathered in the high performance centre at UL today in working and planning towards Saturday's Champions Cup encounter with Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park," read a Munster statement.

"The squad are following a modified schedule this week with players and management yesterday signing books of condolence at Thomond Park, Irish Independent Park and at other locations across the province in memory of their colleague and friend Anthony Foley.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 16:  A Munster fan signs a book of condolence after hearing of the news of the death of Munster coach Anthony Foley prior to the Eu
Image: A Munster fan signs the book of condolence in Paris after hearing of the news Anthony Foley's death

"The thoughts of Munster Rugby players, management and staff remain with the Foley and Hogan families and assisting them at this time continues to be the priority. Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised, and details will follow once in place."

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tributes have been pouring in after the sudden death of Munster coach Anthony Foley. Axe meant so much to so many.

Munster have provisionally planned a press conference for Wednesday, where director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and captain Peter O'Mahony will pay further tribute to Foley, nicknamed fondly in rugby circles as 'Axel' after Eddie Murphy's Beverly Hills Cop character.

French authorities are continuing their investigations after Foley was found dead at Munster's team hotel ahead of Sunday's Champions Cup clash with Racing in Paris.

A Munster jersey hangs on the gate of the Yves du Manoir stadium in tribute to late head coach Anthony Foley
Image: A Munster jersey hangs on the gate of the Yves du Manoir stadium in tribute to head coach Anthony Foley

European tournament organisers are understood to respect the wishes of both Munster and Foley's family while decisions are ongoing regarding Saturday's match.

Munster also offered thanks to a host of those who helped in the aftermath of Foley's death at the weekend.

Their statement continued: "Following on from Sunday's initial statement Munster Rugby would like to additionally thank the following parties for their assistance on the day, the staff of the Novotel Suresnes Longchamp Hotel, the local police and emergency services in Paris, Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason and her staff at the Irish Embassy, Aer Lingus support staff at Charles de Gaulle Airport and Declan Keane and his team at the Dublin Airport Authority.

Live European Rugby Champions Cup

"At an extremely difficult time, Munster Rugby could not be more grateful for the consideration and compassion shown from the wider community in the past few days and it is most appreciated at this time.

"Meanwhile, with the Munster A squad scheduled for an away British and Irish Cup fixture against Doncaster Knights on Saturday, the decision has been made to postpone the fixture with a rescheduled date to be announced in due course.

"Munster Rugby thank Doncaster Knights and the British and Irish Cup for their understanding and help at this time."

You can watch Chelsea v Man Utd, plus England's tour of Bangladesh and the US Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price!

Around Sky