Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is free to face the Springboks in Dublin next month after being cleared of allegedly grabbing Munster No 8 Gavin Coombes’ testicles.
The 33-year-old Leinster tighthead appeared before a URC disciplinary panel on Thursday after being cited for an incident during last Saturday’s 24-18 win against Munster in Dublin.
Coombes reported the alleged incident to referee Andrew Brace during the first half, but TMO Colin Stanley was unable to find conclusive video evidence.
Furlong was subsequently cited under Law 9.27, which prohibits acts contrary to good sportsmanship, including grabbing, twisting or squeezing an opponent’s genitals.
However, the disciplinary panel unanimously dismissed the complaint, concluding that Furlong had not committed an act of foul play.
The panel also found that Coombes had given “an honest account of his recollection of events surrounding the incident”.
The outcome contrasts with the case of Bulls hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who was suspended for nine weeks last season, later reduced to eight, for allegedly grabbing Connacht’s Josh Murphy’s testicles, despite there being no clear video evidence.
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Furlong is now available for Ireland’s Nations Championship matches against Argentina, Fiji and the Springboks, as well as the finals weekend at Twickenham.
Gavin Coombes suggested that his groin had been grabbed, and from the footage, it looks fairly obvious what happened.
It’s an incident that could have completely changed the outcome of the game. If the player is cited now, it’ll be little consolation to Munster. https://t.co/bmN4zEBvjJ
— Joe Naughton (@JoeNaConnacht) October 25, 2026
The post Furlong avoids Jan-Hendrik’s fate appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is free to face the Springboks in Dublin next month after being cleared of allegedly grabbing Munster No 8 Gavin Coombes’ testicles.
The post Furlong avoids Jan-Hendrik’s fate appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
