When the draw for the European Champions Cup was made in June, one game stood out for Irish fans more than most.
Racing 92's game against Munster in Thomond Park will see Ronan O'Gara return to Limerick for the first time since retiring in 2013. The two teams meet in their opening pool match, later this month in Paris.
O'Gara moved to Paris after retiring, and has held a role with Racing 92, where he is now entering his fourth season. The former Ireland fly-half is currently a kicking coach with the French giants.
While many fans will be intrigued to see how O'Gara's team will play against his beloved Munster, the Cork native was not happy with the draw, when it was made in Switzerland.
"It’s very tough to start the competition with Munster. We have been watching them since the start of the season but we also have the best spy possible with Ronan O’Gara to know how they function," Racing 92 head coach Bernard Labit told the Irish Examiner.
"It’s funny because he’s got mixed feeling about meeting Munster. It’s his club of heart, of love. He feels like betraying them."
"Of course, he wants Racing to win but, strangely, he’s not happy facing them, even if he’ll be thrilled to be back at Thomond Park."
Racing are favourites to qualify from Pool 1 which also includes Leicester Tigers and Glasgow Warriors. O'Gara will do all he can to beat Munster later this month, but the conflicting emotions will be interesting to keep an eye on ahead of the game.
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