Tadhg Furlong could face lengthy ban if found guilty of genital grab

The United Rugby Championship have confirmed that Ireland and Lions prop Tadhg Furlong has been cited following an incident in Leinster’s interpro derby win over Munster.

It is alleged that the tight-head grabbed the groin area of Munster’s Andrew Coombe’s in the 37th minute of Saturday’s match. Coombe’s complained to referee Andrew Brace but the TMO was unable to provide any video evidence at the time.

However, the matter has been taken further, with a statement from the URC saying, ‘the Citing Commissioner in charge has made a complaint about an act of foul play by the Player (Tadhg Furlong No.3) against opponent Gavin Coombes (No.8).

‘The Player has been cited under Law 9.27 – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship including but not limited to grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.’

Details of the dicsciplinary hearing will be announced in due course, but if found guilty, Furlong will likely miss Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign.

Joe Marler received a 10-week suspension in March 2020 for grabbing the genitals of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones during an England vs Wales Six Nations match.

In a more recent example, in October 2025, South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels received a nine-match suspension for grabbing Josh Murphy’s genitals in the Bulls’ URC win over Connacht.

A similar punishment for Furlong will rule him out for the remainder of the year.