Fearsome Opposition Says Foley

The thoughts of new Munster Head Coach Anthony Foley on today’s Champions Cup draw, which sees Munster drawn in a Pool 1, facing Saracens, Clermont and Sale Sharks both home and away.

The fact that of the four Pool 1 teams, three were semi-finalists in European Rugby’s premier competition for the last two seasons running, gives a good indication of the quality Munster face in the first year of Champions Cup action. Speaking after today’s lunchtime draw, Foley described the entire pool as ‘fearsome opposition’.

“We have picked up three of the best teams in Europe in our Pool and looking at the rest of the tournament I think this is an even stronger draw than in previous years.

“We have six massive games ahead of us and we will be looking forward to them all. I’m sure there are a few teams who won’t be too happy about having Munster in their Pool."

Always appreciative of the massive support Munster receive from their fans, the head coach believes the 16^th Man will have a big role to play both home and abroad in the Champions Cup.

“We have met all these teams before in Europe and I’m sure our fans will travel in big numbers to Manchester, London and Clermont. And if Saracens fancy taking our game to Wembley, then that will be fine with us.

“It’s not a decision for us, but all the players love to play in big stadia and in big games. And all the games in our Pool will be big games.”

Munster born and bred, Foley is relishing the opportunity of leading his native province into European action, and is well aware of the challenges that lie in his path.

“Having grown up at the club it is going to be a huge honour for me to coach the team next season. I certainly won’t be underestimating the size of the task, but we have a good group of players who have been around for a while.

“We want to be playing in the big finals in last few weeks of May and to do that we are going to have to stop
teams scoring easy points against us. We need to rectify that, especially when it comes to playing in the Champions Cup.”

For full Pool Draw details please click here.