Foley On Pool 4 Opposition

Read the reaction of Head Coach Anthony Foley following today’s Champions Cup pool draw that sees Munster face Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers and Benetton Treviso in Pool 4 of next season’s competition.

Click here to see the full Pool Draw.

With away trips to France, England and Italy coupled with three massive home ties at Thomond Park, Foley looks ahead to next season’s opposition which includes the reigning French champions, a side that Munster have not faced since 2004.

“Once again six huge games lie ahead of us. Getting through the pool stages is always a massive challenge and it’s up to us to put in the performances that I know we are capable of.

“There’s quality right across our pool again next season. We now have to prepare for the reigning Top 14 champions. Clermont thought us a lesson on just how formidable the Top 14 sides are in Europe both home and away last season and again we’ll have our work cut out for us with Stade Francais. It’s a long time coming, I think it’s over ten years since we have met in Europe and they will be two massive games.

“Leicester Tigers are a team that we know well from the old Heineken Cup, we’ve shared some big occasions together although it has been a number of years since we’ve gone to battle in competition. They’ll travel to Thomond Park know that the last time they played there they became the first visiting side to beat us at Thomond in European competition. It’s up to us to rise to the occasion both home and away.

“Treviso are the side we’re most familiar with of late. Both sides know each other well and will prepare accordingly and it will be another physical and bruising encounter. It’s been a number of years since we have faced-off in Europe. Since then we’ve seen first-hand in the PRO12 how they’ve improved, running Leinster and Ulster very close and putting three tries on us in Cork last season. We can’t afford to do the same against them in Europe.”

In looking forward to another hugely competitive tournament, the Head Coach also acknowledges the fantastic support of Munster fans in Europe. (Secure your season tickets here)

“I’m delighted for our fans too that they have three massive home ties to look forward to. Last season Thomond wasn’t quite the fortress they had become accustomed to so that will serve as a good motivation for us, to put that right. And it’s not just at home, we know how wonderful and dedicated our travelling supporters are so we hope to give them something to shout about on the road also.

“Meritocracy has meant that not only are the domestic leagues extremely competitive, but teams enter European competition battle-hardened. That, combined with it being the premier tournament for European clubs, will make it another hugely competitive contest again next season.”

Foley concluded by saying, “As I’ve said before, it’s about us maintaining what we’re doing and building on it. We have learnt a lot of lessons from last season’s campaign and most recently in defeat in the PRO12 final and next season we hope to come back better and stronger for it.

“Obviously last season and going out in the pool stages was a tough one to take and we don’t want to be in that position again next year. Getting results at home and especially away is a tough challenge for any side in this competition – to get home wins is essential. It’s only natural that players want to feature in the big games, in the big stadia and therefore they, and in turn every team, raise their game when it comes to Europe. The physicality and speed is increased, the atmosphere is intensified and they are the games that you want to be involved in. All of us are looking forward to another Champions Cup campaign next season.”

Dates, venues and kick-off times for Champions Cup fixtures will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The first round of pool fixtures will take place in November.