New Munster CEO slams 'unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence over public perception'

MUNSTER’S NEW INTERIM chief executive Avan Lee has slammed “unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence over public perception” following the dismissal of Tadhg Furlong’s citing complaint.

Leinster and Ireland prop Furlong appeared before an independent disciplinary commission on Thursday to face allegations that he had grabbed Munster’s Gavin Coombes in the groin area during last weekend’s URC interprovincial clash.

After a lengthy hearing that started on Thursday morning and ran for most of the day, the three-person disciplinary committee unanimously cleared Furlong on the basis that he did not commit an act of foul play.

In clearing Furlong, the committee also noted that Coombes had given “an honest account of his recollection of events”, and that the decision to cite Furlong and refer the matter to a disciplinary committee was the correct one. 

The fallout from the Aviva Stadium clash, and Furlong’s disciplinary fate – which could have seen him banned for Ireland’s upcoming Autumn Nations Series – has dominated the news agenda this week.

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Robin McBryde, Furlong’s forwards coach at Leinster, said he “wouldn’t hesitate” to give a character reference on Furlong’s behalf if asked, while the prop was also publicly backed by former Leinster and Ireland team-mate Johnny Sexton, who is now an assistant coach with Ireland.

Asked for comment on Tuesday, Sexton said: “In terms of the incident, I can’t say too much about it obviously because the disciplinary process is ongoing, but I know Tadhg as a person, first and foremost, and I don’t think that’s something he would have done.”

In a statement issued on Friday morning, Munster said the province “acknowledges” the decision of the disciplinary committee, and that Coombes “continues to have the full backing of the club”.

Lee, who took up his role as interim CEO last week, 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.”