Munster retire No.8 jersey for tomorrow’s game in memory of Anthony Foley
As a mark of respect to their former head coach and captain, Munster have announced that they have retired the number 8 jersey for tomorrow's European Champions Cup game against Glasgow.
Following the funeral of Anthony Foley this afternoon, the jersey that he made famous won't be used tomorrow at Thomond Park.
CJ Stander, who has been selected in the number eight position against Glasgow, will wear number 24 instead.
A special commemorative match programme, documenting Foley's life in rugby and the tributes paid to him in recent days, will be on sale at the ground with a percentage of proceeds going towards a fund or charitable cause to be agreed upon by the Foley family with support from Munster Rugby.
A minute’s silence will be observed before the game during which a special tribute to Foley will take place in the West Stand.
On the pitch before kick-off, in recognising Anthony's achievements and lifelong association with Shannon RFC, the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir will perform 'There Is An Isle', and soprano Sinead O'Brien will join the Choir to perform 'Stand Up And Fight’.
In further recognising his life in rugby, young players and students from Shannon RFC and his former school of St Munchin's will form a guard of honour as the teams take to the field.
In the only change from last weekend, Keith Earls will start on the wing for what will be an emotional occasion at Thomond Park.
Tyler Bleyendaal and Darren Sweetnam will make their European debuts while academy prop Brian Scott could also do so after being named on the bench.
Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland; Peter O'Mahony - capt., Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander.
Duncan Casey, Brian Scott, Stephen Archer, Robin Copeland, Jack O'Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Ronan O'Mahony.
