European nights are always significant for Munster, but this Saturday will be especially poignant as the province remembers one of its greats. Friday marks 10 years since the death of Anthony Foley. With Munster in Paris ahead of facing Racing 92, Foley, head coach at the time, died suddenly in his sleep aged 42 after a heart condition caused fluid to build up in his lungs.
Having captained Munster to the 2006 Heineken Cup during a stellar playing career that also yielded 62 Ireland caps, Foley, affectionately known as 'Axel', has never been far from Munster minds. His contributions will be highlighted by a series of tributes during the Investec Champions Cup game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Munster players will wear commemorative presentation jackets featuring the club crest and the number eight, Foley's position.
Defence coach Denis Leamy, Foley's team-mate for the 2006 and 2008 European triumphs, said his former captain's memory is "to the forefront of everyone's mind" this week. "He was iconic really," Leamy said. "His belief in a Munster jersey was unbelievable. He was uncompromising, he gave belief to everyone around him and he was just a super player, a super team-mate."
Captain Tadhg Beirne said Foley's quotes and actions are still discussed throughout the building. "He was a pure Munster legend, a Munster man through and through," Beirne said. Peter O'Mahony, who was captain when Foley died, said the loss changed him hugely and still makes it tough to talk about his former mentor.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing