Furlong cleared, Munster and Erasmus respond

Furlong had been cited over an incident with Gavin Coombes during Leinster-Munster on 24 October.

There will be no ban for Tadhg Furlong. Meeting by video conference on Thursday, the URC’s independent disciplinary committee unanimously concluded that the prop had not committed an act of foul play under Law 9.27, and dismissed the citing. The Leinster player had been accused of grabbing Gavin Coombes’ genitals.

A two-part ruling

The statement adds that the Munster No 8 gave “an honest account of his recollection of events” and that the complaint was properly brought before the committee. The full written decision is to follow.

Furlong therefore remains available for Ireland in the Nations Championship: Argentina on 6 November, Fiji on the 14th and South Africa on the 21st.

Munster and Erasmus speak out

Munster reaffirmed their support for Coombes. Interim chief executive Avan Lee also criticised “unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence over public perception” during the process, without naming anyone.

Rassie Erasmus took to X on Friday, naming neither the prop nor the competition: “The saddest is everyone know this was going to happen,” the South Africa coach wrote, Planet Rugby reports. The site links the message to his reaction in October 2025, when Springbok Jan-Hendrik Wessels was banned for nine weeks for the same alleged offence.