Rugby brotherhood stronger than ever with rival province’s tributes to Anthony Foley

Mike Ross says Leinster will bring a bus-load of players, coaches and staff down to Munster whenever a date is set for an Anthony Foley memorial service.

The Leinster prop spoke about the shockwaves that went through the squad when they learned of the untimely passing of Foley, on Sunday.

"I remember thinking 'This can't be real' but unfortunately it was," said Ross. "It's a huge tragedy - a man like that taken at the age of 42. "The worst part of it is that he leaves behind a wife and two young kids. That is absolutely terrible."

While passing on his condolences, Ross was keen to stress that Leinster are minor players in this whole tragedy. All of his thoughts are with those involved with Munster Rugby and the wider Foley family. Leinster have a game coming up against Montpellier at the weekend but the squad will make it their business to get down the M7 and pay their respects to a man that used to love nothing better than turning them over. Connacht and Ulster have been, and will be, paying their own respects to 'Axel'. Connacht opened a book of condolence for Foley at their Sportsground headquarters earlier today and will keep it open until close of business [5pm] tomorrow. Ulster have also opened a book of condolence and will go a step further in the coming weeks. https://twitter.com/JBradleyBT/status/788296375813435394 The grief is raw in Irish rugby but it is heartening to see provincial rivalries put to one side to pay tribute to a true man of Munster. Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live