Anthony Foley cause of death revealed to be a heart rhythm disorder as family confirm funeral plans

Foley's remains will be flown back to Ireland on Thursday ahead of a funeral service on Friday

Anthony Foley died on Sunday after suffering a build-up of fluid on his lungs caused by a heart rhythm disorder (Getty)

The funeral of Munster head coach Anthony Foley will take place in County Clare on Friday.

A French coroner said on Tuesday that the 42-year-old died due to a heart condition which led to a build-up of fluid in his lungs.

Foley's body was found in his room in Munster's team hotel before their scheduled game against Racing 92 in Paris on Sunday and an autopsy found he "had a heart rhythm disorder that caused an acute edema of the lungs", according to http://www.rugby365.fr.

Munster confirmed Foley's body would be flown home on Wednesday.

"Anthony's family have confirmed that his remains will be flown home to Shannon Airport (on Wednesday), from where they will be brought to his family home in Killaloe, Co Clare," a statement on the club's website read.

"They will lie in repose at St Flannan's Church, Killaloe from 1pm to 8:30pm sharp on Thursday evening.

"People intending on paying their respects to Anthony are asked to attend early. House afterwards is private.

"Funeral Mass will take place at 12 midday on Friday at St Flannan's Church, with Church reserved for family and friends only.

"A special area will be set aside to facilitate media outside the Church, near speakers.

"Burial afterwards will be at Relig Nua Cemetery, Killaloe. Family flowers only."

Tributes and messages of sympathy flooded in from across the world of sport following the announcement of Foley's death shortly before his team's European Champions Cup game, which was postponed as a result.

Former back-row forward Foley played 62 times for Ireland, led Munster to their first European Cup victory in 2006 and was central to the province's repeat success two years later.

Foley scored 39 tries for his province and made 86 appearances in European competition before taking on backroom roles from 2009. He was named head coach in 2014.

The coroner said Foley's death could be "linked to a heart problem", while further toxicological tests are ongoing and results are "expected in several weeks".

PA