Next Tuesday will see a world record attempt for the largest scrum, in memory of the late Anthony Foley.
‘Scrum for Axel’ – Official Guinness World Record attempt for the World’s Largest Scrum will take place in LIT in tribute to Munster's legendary number 8.
The attempt has received the backing of the rugby star’s family and sister Rosie Foley, who said: "The support since Anthony passed away has been amazing.
"The honours, the accolades that have been bestowed on him have been humbling to say the least. The scrum initiative, when I first heard of it, I thought this is just brilliant. This is really the way to go.
"Anthony went to Moylish, or LIT at the time, many years ago when he left St. Munchin’s [school]. It would be great to have a Guinness world record with his name associated with it."
A group of Sports Management students from LIT are bringing 2,000 people together to break the official Guinness World Record for the largest scrum ever, will take place in LIT's Moylish campus, adjacent to Thomond Park at noon on April 4.
The event is also supported by Anthony’s club, Shannon RFC, by Thomond Park, by LIT and by current and former colleagues in Munster Rugby. Members of the public are encouraged to join in on the day.
"The idea for the scrum came about shortly after Mr. Foley's passing as it seemed a fitting way to commemorate him and a way of raising money for charity," said LIT Sports Management student, Robert Lewis.
"We are calling on people to come along on April 4th and join in the scrum. In the run up to it, we are asking people to form their own Scrum for Axel and post it on social media under the hashtag #scrumforaxel.
"We’re delighted that his family are supporting us, and we’re fundraising for a charity of the family’s choice. Schools, clubs and individuals have come on board to support it, and we’re pretty overwhelmed by the reaction really. We’re looking for as many people as possible to come along on the day and to scrum for Axel."
Former Ireland and Munster player Jerry Flannery said: "I think this is a fantastic idea. I’m involved and would love to see as many people as possible answering the call to come along and scrum it out. We’re remembering Anthony by setting a world record and raising money for a good cause in the process."
Members of the public are invited to get involved at LIT Moylish on Tuesday, April 4 at midday in order to help break the world record. Registration takes place in the Millennium Theatre from 11:30am. Car parking is available in Thomond Park and LIT Moylish, but spaces are limited.
A bucket collection will be held on the day. All donations big or small will be welcome. All money raised will go a charity nominated by the Foley family.
The current world record is held in Fukuroi, Japan and was set in September 2016.
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