MUNSTER HEAD COACH and former captain Anthony Foley has died at the age of 42.
The tragic news has been confirmed in a statement released by the IRFU:
It is with deep regret that the Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Rugby must advise of the passing overnight of Munster Rugby head coach Anthony Foley, at the team hotel in Paris.
“Munster Rugby management are liaising directly with Anthony’s family and will provide them with any assistance and support required. The IRFU and Munster Rugby pass on our deepest sympathies to all of Anthony’s family and friends and ask for privacy for the family at this sad time.
“As a mark of respect to Anthony and his family and and to support players, management and staff, Munster Rugby have requested that today’s match against Racing 92 be rescheduled.
“Munster Rugby thank Racing 92, EPCR, broadcasters and partners, and the many fans who travelled to Paris for their understanding and support at this time.”
EPCR [European Professional Club Rugby] have confirmed that this afternoon’s European Champions Cup game between Racing 92 and Munster, which was due to take place at 3pm at Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Paris, has subsequently been postponed.
EPCR chairman Simon Halliday, said: “On behalf of EPCR, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Anthony’s family and to everyone associated with Munster and Irish Rugby. He was a magnificent player and a superb coach and he will be sorely missed.”
Having previously served as the Munster’s forwards and ‘A’ coach, Foley took over as head coach of the province in July 2014. Following the arrival of Rassie Erasmus as Director of Rugby this summer, Foley remained in the head coach’s role.
As a player, Foley won 62 caps for Ireland — three of them as captain. At the age of 21, he scored a try against England on his debut in January 1995. He played in the World Cups of ’95 and 2003, and his final Ireland appearance was against Wales in the 2005 Six Nations.
Having been on the losing side in the 2000 and ’02 finals, Foley captained Munster to their first Heineken Cup triumph in 2006 thanks to a win over Biarritz in the decider. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2007-08 season, having played over 200 times for Munster.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by today’s news and the sudden passing of a Munster Rugby great, our head coach, former player, colleague and friend Anthony Foley,” said Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald.
“Our immediate thoughts are with Axel’s family, his wife Olive and his two sons Tony and Dan, father Brendan who is here in Paris with us, mother Sheila, sisters Orla and Rosie and the extended Foley family.
“Anthony was the embodiment of Munster Rugby and dedicated his life to the game he loved. From St Munchin’s to Shannon, Munster and then Ireland, Anthony was a true rugby great. Widely known for his extensive knowledge of the game and rugby brain, Axel brought so much to the province as a player and then a coach.
“A very popular figure off the field, he was an incredibly likeable character with a great sense of humour and he lived life to the full. Always maintaining his strong family connections to his native Killaloe in Clare, Axel was hugely proud of his community and where he came from.
“My earliest memory of Axel is when he was playing number 8 for St Munchin’s in his teens and the hunger and passion he showed even then was evident to all. Never a man to back down from a challenge, Anthony’s determination on the field was mirrored by his actions off it, always honest in everything he did. His legacy will live on in the next generation and beyond.
“Anthony will be sorely missed and the thoughts from everyone in the game are with his family at this time.”
Awful awful news.
That’s so very sad. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
Devastating! RIP
His poor young family. This is beyond tragic for them. As a rugby fan there are no words for a man taken so young. May he rest in peace.
Legend is used too much now a days but not in his case. Shockingly sad news. RIP Axel.
Awful news. The word legend is thrown around a lot these days, but a true Munster and Irish hero. RIP
Here in Racing and it’s heartbreaking. Rip to a rugby legend
A lot of the fans are heading down to the stadium as a mark of respect
There’s a minutes silence st the main gates st around 3:45o’c
Only 42 that’s awful news, Was part of a breakthrough Munster side and will be missed, RIP Axel.
Shocking…RIP
Shocked and saddened! Condolences to his family Team mates Munster supporters and friends. MUNSTER ABU xxx
One of the nice guys
That’s so sad,especially for his family.It’s such a shock
Shocked! Heart goes out to his family. RIP
Shocked. R.I.P Axel.
Rip Axel
Had the pleasure of playing golf with him in Spain this summer on the 06 HC winners reunion. A gent of a man. Big loss for the Munster community. RIP
What a tragedy..a true warrior
Makes you sick to the core, Rest In Peace to one of the biggest servants Munster ever had.
Rest in Peace Axel! You did Munster proud as player, captain and coach!
Tragic News, Rest in peace Axel,
Puts sport into perspective. A legend of a player, true warrior and leader. RIP
Truly Shocking
RIP Axel shocking news thoughts go out to him family.
Only saw him last week in the Aviva playing with his kids. Terrible. Can’t believe it. Rest in peace Anthony.
Jesus, never saw this coming at all. Gave so much good service to the province as a player and put everything into his work as a coach. Was really hoping he’d help take us back to the heights of before in his new role, and it’s all been snatched away. But today is a day for remembering what he did, what he ended up giving to us all. Can only wish the best for his family through this tough time, and for Axel himself to Rest In Peace.
I always remember that try at Lansdowne Road v wasps , summed the man up, a winner , a leader , determined. Munster needed a try to stay in the hunt and he provided it against world class opposition.
Also him lifting the cup in 2006 will stay with Munster fans for ever.
Very sad news some shock that was. RIP
RIP AXEL
Shocking , thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues RIP
Poor Axle. RIP
Can’t believe this news. My condolences to his family and friends and Munster Rugby.
Absolutely stunned. An outstanding player. RIP
Terrible news RIP Axel
Shocking
A legend of the Irish game – a leader in a great Munster team full of leaders. Just very sad news.
Absolutely shocked. So sad.
Omg that Is horrible. RIP. My thoughts are with him, his family, Munster rugby and the Rugby world in general. 42 years is too young. Shocked. RIP
Shocking news rip
Wow shocked R.I.P Foley
RIP
Rip to a great leader, deepest condolences to his family
That is terrible news, a great servant to the game. My condolences to his family
I’m absolutely heartbroken. An amazing servant to Munster and Ireland. R.I.P you legend.
Simply stunned. Heart felt condolences to his family. Shellshocked.
RIP big man.
Too young too die, great player and coach, may he rest in peace
rip legend
R.I.P
Awful news! My he rest in peace
A true gent on and off the pitch.
Appalling news.
Thoughts with his family and Munster supporters too.
Just stuck for words now. Just so shocked. Poor anthony foley and he’s family. Rest in peace anthony foley. Always a munster legend!
Devastating news.. RIP
Wow, oh my God what a shock I can’t believe it . So so sad and I wish to pass on my condolences to Anthony’s family and everyone involved in Munster.
RIP to a true legend of the game.
Awful news he was a gent… RIP
RIP
What sad news for his family and Munster rugby and all sports fans
R.I.P. Anthony. Tragic news and an awful loss to Irish rugby. Condolences to his family on their loss. He is an Irish legend.
Rip Axel
On behalf of Killarney RFC we extend our sympathies to Anthony’s family and the Munster Squad. Inspirational memories.
A cornerstone of Munster and Irish rugby.
Thoughts with his family at this sad time
RIP
Terrible news thoughts with his family. RIP Axel
Awful news. Was a wonderful servant to Munster Rugby. RIP
Shocking and tragic to hear of this death. RIP Anthony Foley.
Oh my god, I’m just shocked. What a player and hero of Munster and Irish rugby.
Shocked. Stunned. Can’t believe it. Rest in peace Anthony. God love his family & friends.
Absolutely heartbreaking news. A gentleman of the game. RIP Axel
RIP
Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
Rest in peace. Awful news.
Deepest Sympathy to Anthony Foley’s family and the Munster team. Such a tragic loss may Anthony rest in peace
Ireland’s best captain ever. Loved the game rather than the attention .
R.I.P. Condolences to family and friends, Munster Abu.
Still in shock. A real hero for Ireland Munster and all sports fans.
OMG that is shocking news, RIP Anthony.
Wtf!!! Such sad news, condolences to his family and many friends. Some man, lived for munster. Thanks.
A sad day for Irish rugby and especially munster ..RIP
RIP. Condolences to family, friends and Munster rugby & supporters. He opitomised what Munster rugby is. Tough, Honorable, Hard, Fair, Loyal.
Awful news. Great player and nice man.
Leinster supporters unite with our Munster brothers at this very sad time . Thoughts are with his family and friends . RIP Axel .
I’m devastated.
A man has died people pay tribute as do I ……why the red thumbs!!
Denis. These are obviously sad lonely people who are trying to get their kicks from tragic news. Don’t take the bait. True rugby fans are united today .
Thanks Chris…a tragedy that transcends sport
Oh God. Rip axel.
R I P Axel…Munster abu
Thanks for the memories
You were lionhearted every time you pulled on that red jersey
RIP
This is devastating news. RIP axel. Thanks for all the memories . munster abu.
Still in shock. RIP Axel.
Very sad rip axel
Absolutely tragic news. Condolences to to his family, friends, and teammates..
RIP. He’ll be remembered as being one of the best number 8s this country has ever produced. What a massive loss to Irish rugby.
RIP
Just numb.. Rip Axel
Terrible news…so so sad …rip
Shocking news. RiP.
Terrible news. RIP Axel
Terrible terrible news..you were and will always be a legend..r.i.p. axel
This is awful. RIP Axel.
:’(
Horrific! There are no words. Thoughts with his family and the team.
RIP Axel so sad a loss.
One of the players to help this country ditch its inferiority complex when it came to rugby. tragic news
Very sad RIP
Shocking news. A great leader for Munster and Ireland, RIP Axel.
RIP Axel. Sad news. One of the good guys.
Absolute legend so sad to hear the news. Condolences to his familyone of the best players to grace the rugby pitch.
Such horribly sad news.
RIP
Shocking news. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. I’m sure rugby fans around the world, not just Munster must be stunned.
Just don’t understand all red thumbs on this article
@Munster4ever: just trolls ignore them
RIP Axel.
god love him may he rest in peace.
The 42 should put a life ban on every Red Thumb on this posting. RIP A Foley.
RIP Axle.
Wonderful personality, absolutely comitted to the sport. He’ll be truly missed
Totally shocked at this news. A true gentleman and Munster through and through. RIP Anthony and condolences to his family and friends. Munster is a lesser place today on foot of this news.
What an awful tragedy—RIP.
Sympathy to his grieving wife and young children
RIP very sad news
Awful news that