Tadhg Furlong cited over alleged groin-grabbing incident
NEWS: Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong could face a suspension after being cited for an alleged breach of conduct during Leinster’s United Rugby Championship victory over Munster at the Aviva Stadium.
Furlong was cited following an allegation that he grabbed Munster forward Gavin Coombes by the groin during the match. Coombes raised the incident with referee Andrew Brace, but television match official Colin Stanley was unable to find footage of the alleged incident.
The Leinster prop has been cited under Law 9.27, which states that players must not act against the spirit of good sportsmanship, including grabbing, twisting or squeezing an opponent’s genitals.
Furlong could face a sanction following a disciplinary hearing, with the outcome potentially affecting Ireland head coach Andy Farrell’s plans ahead of the resumption of the Nations Championship next weekend.
Munster coach Clayton McMillan backed Coombes over the allegation.
“All I know is that I back our players 100% that if they make an allegation like that, they wouldn’t do it lightly,” McMillan said.
“He’s not that sort of person, Gavin, so we’ll see where that goes.”
Leinster coach Leo Cullen said he had not seen evidence of the alleged incident.
“Obviously, once that accusation is made, it becomes a serious matter for the citing commissioner,” Cullen said. “My comment is not going to help in any way here, but from what I’ve seen, I can’t see anything.”
Leinster travel to Connacht on Friday night, while Munster host the Sharks in their final match before the November Tests.
Ireland begin their campaign against Argentina on Friday, 6 November.
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