It looks likely that Munster will host Racing 92 of France for their big Champions Cup tie at Páirc Uí Chaoimh next season.

The Red Army is looking to return to the home of Cork GAA after their successful outing against Gloucester last December in the Champions Cup, which was the first game in a competition played at the venue, having previously only played one-off matches against the Springboks A and Crusaders.

And now, it looks like the date for the return to Cork is set, as the fixtures have been announced for next season’s Champions Cup pool stages.

Munster open their campaign at home to Racing 92. The game will take place on Saturday, October 17, with kick-off at 8 pm. However, no official venue has been assigned yet, but with Munster’s other home game against Gloucester confirmed for Thomond Park, it looks like Munster are awaiting sign-off from the GAA before they start advertising the game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

It will be an emotionally charged evening for Munster, as the game will take place a day after the 10-year anniversary of Anthony Foley’s death, which came in Paris before Munster were to face Racing back in 2016.

No doubt tributes will be made to mark the occasion and celebrate the life of one of the finest and most respected men in Munster and Irish rugby.

For the other Irish provinces, Leinster opens their Champions Cup campaign away at the cauldron-like Stade Marcel Michelin to face Clermont Auvergne on October 17 at 3:15 pm.

Meanwhile, Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht will face Saracens in the first Champions Cup game at the new Dexcom Stadium on October 17 at 5:30 pm.

Then, for Ulster in the Challenge Cup, they get their campaign underway in Italy, facing Zebre on October 17 at 3:15 pm.