Disciplinary panel clears Ireland's Furlong over alleged groin grab
A disciplinary committee has dismissed a complaint against Ireland rugby union prop Tadhg Furlong over an alleged groin grab on Gavin Coombes in a Leinster–Munster match. He stays eligible for Ireland's Nations Championship games.
A rugby union disciplinary committee on Thursday dismissed a complaint against Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong, who had been accused of grabbing opponent Gavin Coombes in the groin during a United Rugby Championship match, a club competition featuring teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa. The ruling means no sanction applies and Furlong can be selected for Ireland's upcoming internationals.
What happened in the match
Leinster beat Munster 24-18 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Munster back row Coombes told match referee Andrew Brace during the first half that he had been targeted. Television match official Colin Stanley reviewed the footage but found no conclusive video evidence.
Furlong, a three-time British and Irish Lions tourist, was later cited for an act of foul play under Law 9.27. That law bars any act against the spirit of good sportsmanship, including grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.
The committee's decision
The case was heard by a three-member panel: Simon Thomas (Wales), Attie Heyns (South Africa) and Pamela Woodman (Scotland). They unanimously concluded that the complaint should be dismissed because Furlong had not committed an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.27.
Despite dismissing the complaint, the panel said Coombes had given an honest account of his recollection of events surrounding the incident.
Impact on Ireland
Having avoided a sanction, the 33-year-old Furlong will be available for Ireland's Nations Championship home matches against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, as well as the finals weekend fixture at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
