mens
United-rugby-championship
Munster will retire their number 8 jersey in honor of Anthony Foley when they launch their kit Investec Champions Cup campaign against Race 92 in SuperVal Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night.
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Foley’s death, with a series of tributes and commemorative events planned around the province’s opening European game.
In a gesture that reflects the enduring legacy of the legendary back-rower, the number 8 jersey will once again be retired for the occasion, as it was in Munster’s first match following his death in 2016.
Brian Gleeson will wear No.24 instead.
Munster made six changes to the side they drew with Ulster in Belfast last weekend, with four young players set to make their Champions Cup debuts.
Halfway through the Academy’s first year Charlie O’Shea gave it a start together Ireland international Craig Casey, while winger Seán Edogbo also makes his first appearance in Europe’s premier club competition.
Among the replacements, Max Clein and Ben O’Donovan are in line for their Champions Cup debuts after joining the senior squad from the academy this summer.
“The players are determined to put in a performance that would make Axel proud. He is talked about every day in our building and we are thinking of him and his family more than ever this week, 10 years after his shocking passing,” said head coach Clayton McMillan.
“Although it will be an emotional day, the players know that the best way to honor his incredible legacy is to play the game with the right mentality and produce a dedicated team that shows how much they care about the jersey and the province.”
Along with Edogbo, John Hodnett, Tom Ahern, Jack Aungier and Gleeson come into the pack, while summer signings Aungier, Marnus van der Merwe and Kieran Brookes are set to make their first Champions Cup appearances in Munster colours.
The provincial back division remains largely unchanged, with Ben O’Connor continuing at full-back alongside Shay McCarthy and Seán O’Brien on the wings. Dan Kelly and Alex Nankivell continue their midfield partnership.
“It’s exciting to see young players Seán Edogbo and Charlie O’Shea start on their Champions Cup debuts as another step forward in their development.
“Max Clein and Ben O’Donovan are two youngsters who moved from the Academy to the senior team in the summer and have been named in the Champions Cup squad for the first time and we have a lot of confidence in them if we call them up.
“Marnus van der Merwe, Jack Aungier and Kieran Brookes are experienced campaigners who have played at this level before. They can do it with Munster for the first time tomorrow night and we’re really pleased with their contributions since joining in the summer.”
Munster Rugby: 15 Ben O’Connor, 14 Shay McCarthy, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Sean O’Brien; 10 Charlie O’Shea, 9 Craig Casey; 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Jack Aungier, 4 Tom Ahern, 5 Tadhg Beirne (capt), 6 Seán Edogbo, 7 John Hodnett, 24 Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: 16 Max Clein, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Fineen Wycherley, 20 Gavin Coombes, 21 Ben O’Donovan, 22 JJ Hanrahan, 23 Jack O’Donoghue.
