Munster secured a 33-25 Champions Cup victory over Racing 92 on a particularly poignant occasion, as the match fell on the tenth anniversary of head coach Anthony Foley’s passing. Foley died at age 42 on the night of Friday October 16, 2016, just before Munster were scheduled to face Racing in Paris. The current fixture was held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, with Munster’s No 8 wearing 24 as the team temporarily retired Foley’s traditional number 8. Munster demonstrated strong attacking play, crossing for five tries through Brian Gleeson, Shay McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Fineen Wycherley, and Craig Casey. Racing responded with three tries of their own via Wilfried Hulleu, Maxime Machenaud, and Joseph Manu, which prevented Munster from securing a full five-point bonus under the tournament’s new rules requiring at least a three-try margin.
Elsewhere in the competition, emotional tributes were paid to Hyron Andrews, a Lions second row who died in France on Friday ahead of a Champions Cup fixture. The 31-year-old’s jersey was laid on the pitch during a silent tribute before La Rochelle’s 31-14 victory, with tries coming from Tevita Ofa, Oscar Jegou, Davit Niniashvili, Tolu Latu, and Avakuki Niusalelekitoga.
Leinster made a commanding start to the campaign with a 48-23 away victory over Clermont Auvergne, scoring seven tries through Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan twice, Sam Prendergast, Jack Conan, Tommy O’Brien, and a penalty try. Glasgow Warriors extended their unbeaten record with a 47-27 win at Sale Sharks, though the contest remained competitive until the final stages when tries from Rory Darge, Ollie Smith, and Otavio Tuipulotu secured a bonus-point victory.
Connacht pulled off a significant upset by defeating Saracens 45-36 at home, with tries from Cian Prendergast twice, Cathal Forde, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Ciaran Frawley twice, and Caolin Blade. Bath experienced a disappointing result at home, losing 32-14 to Montpellier at the Rec.
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