Munster have said that Gavin Coombes continues to have their “full backing” after Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong was cleared of foul play over an incident concerning the pair in last Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match.
Coombes alleged during the game that his testicles had been grabbed and despite match referee Andrew Brace asking the TMO Colin Stanley to review the incident at the time, neither could find evidence of the incident.
However, the incident was included in the referee’s report and subsequently reviewed by the citing commissioner Peter Ferguson.
Furlong appeared in front of an independent disciplinary committee – comprising of Simon Thomas (Wales), Attie Heyns (South Africa) and Pamela Woodman (Scotland) that “unanimously concluded that the citing complaint against the Player should be dismissed, on the basis that he did not commit an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.27.”
Despite the dismissal of the complaint, the disciplinary committee concluded that Coombes had given “an honest account of his recollection of events surrounding the incident.”
In the wake of the verdict, Munster have released a statement giving their backing to Coombes but stressing their respect for the disciplinary procedures.
“Munster Rugby acknowledges the decision published on Thursday night by the Independent Disciplinary Committee,” the club said in a statement.
“Gavin Coombes continues to have the full backing of the club.”
Munster Rugby Interim CEO Avan Lee said: “The priority this week was to back Gavin and for the club to stand behind him, and that position has not changed.
“We believe it is important that independent disciplinary proceedings are allowed to conclude without unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence over public perception.
“Respect for that process, and consideration for everyone directly involved should be paramount.”