EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL Club Rugby [EPCR] has announced that it will make a fitting tribute to late Munster and Ireland legend Anthony Foley.

After running the idea past the province and Foley’s family, the EPCR has commissioned the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy, which will be presented to the European Player of the Year.

The rugby world was left devastated last October when the 42-year-old coach passed away in a Paris hotel while travelling with the Munster squad for a European Champions Cup tie against Racing 92.

“This is a fitting way to honour Anthony’s memory,” said EPCR chairman Simon Halliday. “He was a great player and a great leader as well as a galvanising force in Munster’s European odyssey.

I would like to thank the Foley family and Munster Rugby for allowing us create this trophy for now and for the future.”

Among the five-strong list of nominees for this year’s prize is Munster and Ireland star CJ Stander, along with Leinster’s Garry Ringrose,  Camille Lopez of Clermont Auvergne and Saracens pair Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje.

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