Former Munster forward Donal Lenihan has called for Munster to not use the number eight jersey for the rest of the season.
Lenihan was in Paris last Sunday, when news of Anthony Foley's death emerged. Writing in the Irish Examiner on Wednesday morning, the former Ireland captain said the shirt should not be used as a mark of respect towards Munster's head coach.
"If the Munster No. 10 shirt will forever be linked to Ronan O’Gara after his heroics for the province, for me, when I see the No. 8 jersey, I immediately associate it with Anthony Foley."
"As a mark of respect, I think it would prove apt if it was stood down for the remainder of the season."
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Andrew Paton
Although it's predominately an American idea, the retiring of sporting jerseys in Ireland is not without precedent. Following Cormac McAnallen's death in 2004, Tyrone did not use the number three jersey for the remainder of the year.
A number 31 was used, following GAA approval, in the full-back position throughout Tyrone's run to the All-Ireland quarter-final. If Munster plan to do something similar, they would need approval from Pro12 and Heineken Cup organisers to include a number 24 in their squad.
The team return to action this weekend in Limerick. They play Glasgow Warriors on Saturday afternoon.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
