Munster Rugby has defended the decision to play Saturday's European opener at Pairc Ui Chaoimh amid criticism that tributes to Anthony Foley will be held away from Thomond Park.

Head coach and former player Foley died suddenly in his sleep aged 42 at the team hotel ahead of Munster's European game with Racing 92 in Paris in October 2016.

The sides will meet again 10 years on in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday (20:00 BST), with tributes planned to remember Foley at the game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

However, the move to play the match in Cork and not at Thomond Park, the Limerick stadium where Munster play the majority of their matches, on the anniversary of Foley's death has drawn some criticism from supporters.

Former Munster fly-half and Racing 92 head coach Ronan O'Gara has been among those who have said the game should be played at Thomond.

Foley, affectionately known as 'Axel', had strong connections to Limerick through Munster and his club, Shannon RFC.

In a statement released on Friday, Munster said the decision to play the game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh was made in March, before the draw for the Champions Cup draw took place in July.

The province said that while it "understands" the disappointment of some supporters, "at that stage, neither Racing 92 nor the anniversary weekend were factors that could have been anticipated in the planning process".

The statement said that when the draw was made and fixtures were released, "operational arrangements for both European fixtures were already significantly advanced" and a change of venue "was not considered practicable".

It added that "our focus turned to ensuring that Anthony would be commemorated appropriately and respectfully".

Before he became head coach, back row Foley captained Munster to European glory in 2006.

He also won 62 Ireland caps and won the Triple Crown in 2004 as well as a second Champions Cup with Munster came in 2008.

Players will wear special commemorative presentation jackets, featuring Foley's number eight, and there will be applause in the eighth minute of the game.

There will also be a rendition of 'There Is An Isle' - the anthem of his club Shannon RFC - and a photo display in Marina Park outside the stadium.

Munster said the planned tributes were made with the support of Foley's family, and it respects the views of supporters who feel the game should be played at Thomond Park.

"What unites everyone is their admiration, affection and gratitude for Anthony Foley and his extraordinary contribution to Munster Rugby," added the province.

"Our focus now is on ensuring that this weekend provides a fitting tribute to one of the greatest figures in our history and that he is remembered with the dignity, respect and love that he deserves."