In a poignant opening to their Champions Cup campaign, Munster triumphed 33-25 against Racing 92 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on a night dedicated to the memory of Munster legend Anthony Foley. This match marked a decade since Foley's untimely passing, with heartfelt tributes from fans and family throughout the evening.

The atmosphere was charged as the Shannon RFC choir performed a touching rendition of There is an Isle, a song closely associated with Foley's funeral. In a respectful gesture, neither team featured a player in the number eight jersey, and a minute's applause in the eighth minute honored Foley's legacy.

Munster surged ahead early, with tries from Brian Gleeson, Shay McCarthy, and Tadhg Beirne, establishing a 15-point lead in the second half. However, Racing 92 fought back with tries from Wilfried Hulleu, Maxime Machenaud, and Joey Manu, narrowing the gap to just three points late in the game. A yellow card for Arthur Roche impeded Racing's comeback, allowing Craig Casey to secure the win with a try in the final minutes.

Despite taking an early lead with a penalty from Antoine Gibert, Racing 92 struggled to find their rhythm, reflecting their challenging start to the Top 14 season, sitting 12th after four losses in six games. The match highlighted Munster's resilience and commitment, setting a strong tone for their Champions Cup journey.