Tadhg Furlong cleared of Coombes groin-grab complaint — SkimNews
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- Leinster beat Munster 24-18 at Aviva Stadium, where Coombes alleged that Furlong grabbed him in the groin during the first half.
- Colin Stanley could not find conclusive video evidence of the incident after Coombes raised the allegation with referee Andrew Brace.
- Tadhg Furlong was subsequently cited for an act of foul play under Law 9.27, which prohibits conduct against the spirit of good sportsmanship, including grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.
- Simon Thomas, sitting on the panel with Attie Heyns and Pamela Woodman, unanimously concluded the complaint against Furlong should be dismissed because he did not breach Law 9.27.
- Gavin Coombes was found to have given an honest account of his recollection of the incident despite the citing complaint being dismissed.
- Tadhg Furlong, 33, avoided a sanction and will be available for selection for Ireland’s Nations Championship matches against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, plus the finals-weekend fixture at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Why it matters: Furlong, 33, avoids a ban and stays available for four Ireland fixtures: home matches against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, plus the finals-weekend game at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. The decision ends the disciplinary case without restricting his Nations Championship selection.
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