Yesterday, it was two years to the day that Ireland faced the New Zealand haka in their figure-of-eight formation, a moving tribute to former Munster and Ireland player Anthony Foley. They went on to make history and record their first-ever victory over the All Blacks.
In the aftermath of that game, Conor Murray revealed that the idea to have the Munster players out in front came from Johnny Sexton. Last night, Anthony's father Brendan, appeared on Claire Byrne live to discuss Munster's renowned victory over New Zealand. He then revealed that Sexton also sent a special birthday present to Foley's son, Dan, earlier this year.
A parcel arrived in the post last March and just to coincide, it was Dan's birthday.
Nobody took any notice of the parcel but later on that night when the parcel was opened. Who's jersey was it but Johnny Sexton's. The one that he wore in Paris, the day he scored the winning point.
Anthony Foley's Dad: Johnny Sexton's special gift to the Foley family pic.twitter.com/1qIfeJNTZO
— RTÉ ClaireByrneLive (@ClaireByrneLive) November 5, 2018
Johnny Sexton's last-gasp drop-goal propelled Ireland on to Grand Slam success and it is a poignant idea that the jersey now resides with Dan, whose father did so much for rugby in his province and country during his 42 years.
