Munster\u00a0star Gavin Coombes was left furious following a controversial incident during his side’s\u00a024-18 defeat against Leinster.<\/p>\n
Footage circulating on social media appears to show Coombes involved in an off-the-ball incident with\u00a0Leinster and Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong.<\/p>\n
The Munster number eight appeared to suggest that his groin had been grabbed during the exchange, raising questions over whether\u00a0further action\u00a0should have been\u00a0taken.<\/p>\n
The incident occurred during the first half, with referee Andrew Brace consulting the TMO before allowing play to continue.<\/p>\n
Footage sparks controversy<\/p>\n
Rugby commentator Joe Naughton highlighted the incident on social media, suggesting it could have had a major impact on the result.<\/p>\n
Naughton wrote:<\/p>\n
“Gavin Coombes suggested that his groin had been grabbed, and from the footage, it looks fairly obvious what happened.”<\/p>\n
He added:<\/p>\n
“It’s an incident that could have completely changed the outcome of the game. If the player is cited now, it’ll be little consolation to Munster.”<\/p>\n
The footage appears to show Furlong making contact with Coombes around the groin area during a tackle.<\/p>\n
However,\u00a0the short clip alone does not establish\u00a0whether any contact was deliberate.<\/p>\n
Could disciplinary action follow?Under\u00a0World Rugby’s laws<\/a>, players are prohibited from committing acts of foul play, including inappropriate physical contact.<\/p>\n If the incident is referred to the citing commissioner, it could face further scrutiny.<\/p>\n Any potential sanction would depend on what officials determine happened, rather than claims circulating online.<\/p>\n