On the pitch, Clermont did everything they could to beat Munster. In their rivals’ time of great grief, Clermont are doing what they can to help.
Anthony Foley faced Clermont Auvergne at the tail-end of his successful career but the French side still felt every single ounce of that passion and commitment that he brought to the Munster jersey.
When Foley hung up his boots, he poured himself into making Munster great again as a coach. He faced off Clermont again, on numerous occasions, and loved nothing better than outflanking them; out-fighting them.
Foley’s passing, on Sunday morning, has left the wider rugby world reeling. Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has said the club has received messages of condolence and support from all four corners of the planet, and just about everywhere in between.
Clermont’s passionate supporters are preparing to say their own farewell to ‘Axel’ at Saturday’s home Champions Cup tie with Bordeaux Beglés, at Stade Marcel Michelin.
The Yellow Army are asking fans coming to the Michelin this weekend to bring a Munster scarf, flag, jersey – or anything red – as a show of respect to the Munster legend and ‘our Irish friends’.
Amid the pall that has touched so many rugby supporters over the past week, the bonds of the sport look as strong as ever.
Thanks to Niall Mulligan for sending this our way. If you have any pieces of content you’d like to share with us, hit us up on Facebook or Twitter or send us an email at editorial@SportsJOE.ie.
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.
