Leinster react to Tadhg Furlong being cited for ‘groin grab’ on Gavin Coombes
- Leinster react to Tadhg Furlong being cited for ‘groin grab’ on Gavin Coombes - October 27, 2026
- How Digital Entertainment is Changing the Experience of Irish Rugby fans - October 26, 2026
- Tadhg Furlong cited for groin-grabbing incident with Gavin Coombes - October 26, 2026
Reference.
Leinster forwards coach Robin McBryde has backed Tadhg Furlong’s character after the Ireland international was cited over an alleged groin-grabbing incident involving Munster’s Gavin Coombes.
The tighthead faces a URC disciplinary hearing following an incident in the 37th minute of Saturday’s interprovincial clash at the Aviva Stadium.
Coombes raised the allegation with referee Andrew Brace during the game, but a review by TMO Colin Stanley did not identify evidence of foul play at the time.
Citing commissioner Peter Ferguson subsequently lodged a complaint under Law 9.27, which covers conduct contrary to good sportsmanship, including grabbing, twisting or squeezing an opponent’s genitals.
Speaking ahead of Leinster’s trip to Connacht on Friday, McBryde called for the disciplinary process to run its course, while offering his support to Furlong.
“It’s going through that process, so just let it take place, really. I haven’t spoken to Tadhg. There’s a process there for things like this,” McBryde said.
“I know Tadhg. If I were to give him a character reference, I wouldn’t hesitate. He’s got no history of anything like that.”
The case could have implications for Ireland’s November Nations Championship campaign should Furlong receive a suspension. A hearing date has yet to be announced.
McBryde was reluctant to speculate on the incident, stressing that Furlong himself was best placed to address what happened.
“We’re playing guessing games if anybody wants to comment on it, other than Tadhg, really. Just let the process take its course.
“You’d like to think that the good character Tadhg has shown over all the years… to my knowledge, nothing like this has come his way. So, you know, I’d be confident in that. It is what it is.”
Asked about reviewing the footage further, he said he had left the matter to the disciplinary process.
“I didn’t chase it,” he added.
“The process is there. I’ve got bigger fish to fry; we’ve got Connacht coming on Friday. Connacht have built up a head of steam and are going well. They’ll be happy to get us.”
