MUNSTER HAVE SHARED their gratitude with the rugby community after Anthony Foley’s death in Paris at the weekend, as the province works towards Saturday’s Champions Cup fixture against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park [KO 1pm].
That game has been in some doubt since news of Foley passing away broke on Sunday morning, although a statement this afternoon says Munster are “working and planning towards” the clash in Limerick.
It’s understood that no official, final decision on whether the game will go ahead as scheduled has been reached at this point.
The Munster squad gathered at their High Performance Centre in UL today and will follow “a modified [training] schedule this week.”
Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and captain Peter O’Mahony are scheduled to meet with the media at the High Performance Centre tomorrow afternoon.
The province’s players spent yesterday signing books of condolence across the province in memory of Foley, who died at the age of 42.
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,” reads Munster’s statement this afternoon.
“Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised, and details will follow once in place.
“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.
“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.”
Munster A’s fixture away to Doncaster Knights in the B&I Cup on Saturday has been postponed, with the province thanking all parties for their understanding.
“With the Munster A squad featuring a number of senior players, planning for an away fixture would not be suitable at this point in time,” said Munster A coach Peter Malone.
“We thank Doncaster Knights and the B&I Cup for facilitating our request in light of the exceptional circumstances.”
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