Munster to remember 'special' Foley 10 years after his death

Denis Leamy, Tadhg Beirne and Peter O'Mahony speak about Anthony Foley as Munster prepare to honour their former captain and head coach on the 10th anniversary of his death. European nights are invariably significant occasions for Munster, but this Saturday will be especially poignant as they remember one of the greats. Friday marks 10 years since the death of Anthony Foley. With Munster in Paris before 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, the outpouring of grief that followed his passing was remarkable.

Foley – affectionately known as 'Axel' – has never been far from Munster minds in the decade since, but his immense contributions to the province will be highlighted by a series of tributes during their Investec Champions Cup game on Saturday which, coincidentally, pits them against Racing. As part of the tribute at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork, the Munster players will wear commemorative presentation jackets featuring the club crest and the number eight, Foley's position. Speaking on Tuesday, Munster defence coach Denis Leamy – Foley's team-mate for the province's 2006 and 2008 European triumphs