RTÉ rugby analyst Donal Lenihan agrees with Ronan O'Gara that Munster's home game against Racing 92 should have been in Limerick in recognition of the 10th anniversary of Anthony Foley's passing but he understands the province's rationale for fixing it for SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

It was 10 years ago today that Munster and Ireland great Foley died suddenly in Paris on the eve of the province's Champions Cup opener, which coincidentally was also against Racing 92.

Foley had been Munster head coach for over two years at the time and his death, at the age of 42, caused shockwaves and an outpouring of grief.

Former Munster and Ireland out-half O'Gara this week criticised the decision to schedule this weekend's game for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, writing in his Irish Examiner column that it was "another case of Munster Rugby not helping themselves".

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Lenihan, another Corkman, agrees though he isn't inclined to castigate the province's under-fire hierarchy over the call.

"I was in Paris on that morning [in 2016], I'll never forget it," the former Ireland captain said.

"Just arriving at the stadium, being pulled aside by a member of the media who told me that Anthony had passed late in the night.

"I was absolutely shocked, couldn't believe it. I'd played with Anthony's dad.I'd played with and against him a number of times over the years.

"I think you couldn't get somebody who epitomised Munster more. I understand fully the game should be in Limerick.

"But Munster looked at the draw originally and they have two home games - Racing at the beginning of the campaign and Gloucester at the end of the campaign in January.

"And because Munster hosted Gloucester at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last year, it was felt that they couldn't host them again, that they needed a more attractive side.

"The decision was made months ago, were they aware of Anthony's anniversary? It is unfortunate. Yes, it should be in Limerick to honour him.

"To be fair to Munster, they're damned if they do, damned if they don't. No matter what decisions they make these days, there seems to be issues with it.

"But all things being equal, I would say, yes, this game should be in Limerick."

Munster Rugby released a statement in Friday afternoon, in which they note that the decision to fix the game for Páirc Uí Chaoimh had been taken before the Champions Cup draw and schedule was confirmed.

"Once the draw and fixture schedule were confirmed in July, it was clear that the match would take place on the weekend of the tenth anniversary of Anthony's passing," Munster Rugby said in the statement.

"However, by that stage season tickets had been sold and planning, ticketing and operational arrangements for both European fixtures were already significantly advanced. A change to the venue allocation was not considered practicable and our focus turned to ensuring that Anthony would be commemorated appropriately and respectfully.

"Those plans have been developed with the knowledge and support of the Foley family and in conjunction with Racing 92, Shannon RFC, Ballina-Killaloe RFC and supporters connected to both clubs.

"We recognise that, with the benefit of hindsight and the emotions understandably attached to this anniversary, many people will hold a different view on where this fixture should have been played. We respect those views."

As for the game itself on Saturday night, Lenihan believes the emotion around Foley's anniversary should provide Munster with added motivation, while there is, as ever, uncertainty about what side Racing 92 will select in light of their faltering start to the Top 14 campaign.

"Champions Cup, number one, the format, I don't like it, too many teams in it," Lenihan says bluntly.

"Number two, they've actually spread out the opening two rounds. It's come upon us and you're barely into the season.

"The biggest issue is you don't have the teams on a Friday morning, especially with the French sides.

"Racing have had a really poor start to the Top 14. They've only won two out of six. They're 12th in the league.

"So it all depends on who they pick. If they come fully locked and loaded, they can cause Munster serious problems.

"The fact that it's Anthony's 10th anniversary, there's a lot of things planned on the day.

"Munster will really be up for this one. I think they can get over the line in it. But again, it depends on the team that Racing bring."

Earlier on Saturday, Stuart Lancaster's Connacht side host Saracens, a team against whom they have a dismal record in Europe.

Kingpins of Europe in the late 2010s, Saracens have endured a difficult decade since they were relegated for breaching the Premiership's salary cap rules.

They did place sixth in the English top flight this year and have made a promising start to the 2026-27 season.

"I really like the look of Connacht, the way they're developing," says Lenihan. "They have a lot of young players. They ended up with five in the Irish squad that toured the Southern Hemisphere over the summer.

"But they still lack a bit of strength in depth. Their maul defence against Glasgow in the URC a couple of weeks ago was dreadful.

"The one thing we know about Saracens, they have really developed a new side. Maro Itoje has been off the summer tour.

"They're really powerful up front. So I fear that strength may cost against Connacht. But it's going to be a narrow one."

Leinster are away to Clermont in the afternoon, a venue which was once regarded as one of the most fearsome fortresses in European rugby.

However, the three-time Champions Cup finalists have made an indifferent start to the season. Leinster's front-rank players have only played once this season in last weekend's victory over Cardiff, although all of them partook in an extensive training camp in South Africa for the opening two rounds of the season.

"Like Racing, Clermont are only two from six. They're 11th in the Top 14," notes Lenihan.

"I think by virtue of the fact that they're playing at home, they'll go full strength. On the flip side, Leinster, I think all their internationals are back.

"Leo Cullen brought their full squad to South Africa. So Leinster should be better prepared for this game than they were at this juncture last year.

"So I'm expecting Leinster to win that one."

Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ie