Gavin Coombes is no stranger to big moments, and as Munster Rugby gears up for a critical run-in, the powerful No. 8 once again is front and center in the BKT United Rugby Championship spotlight.
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The Skibbereen native is enjoying another standout season, ranking among the top performers across multiple key categories.
With six tries, 76 successful carries and 22 offloads, Coombes sits inside the top 4 in each category.
His impact isn’t limited to attack either. His 168 tackles place him sixth in the league, underscoring his all-around influence.
Now, with just three regular-season games remaining, Coombes and Munster are pushing to cement a place in the playoffs. They sit seventh in the standings, with matchups against fellow top-8 contenders Cardiff Rugby (away), Ulster Rugby (home) and Benetton Rugby (home) still to come.
“We aren’t out of the competition,” Coombes said. “We are still going to challenge for the title, if we can. When we won it [in 2023], we came fifth and went away every game, so why can’t we do that again?”
That underdog title run two seasons ago remains a source of inspiration.
Munster defied the odds to clinch the championship, winning three consecutive knockout games on the road. With a similar path likely required this year, belief within the squad remains strong.
“There is a lot of belief in this group,” Coombes said. “We’ve had some great days and great performances. We’ve got to get into the top eight first, but it’s in our hands.”
Friday night’s clash against Cardiff at Arms Park looms large. The Welsh side sits just one point and one place above Munster, making the contest a virtual playoff decider.
“They are a good team, they’ve improved a lot,” Coombes said. “They are in a similar position to us. There’s other stuff going on around the club, so they’ll want to prove a point. It’s going to be a huge challenge.”
Munster enters the match having narrowly lost to the Vodacom Bulls 16-13 last weekend.
Coombes missed that game with an ankle injury but is back to full fitness and ready to contribute.
“You couldn’t fault our effort or attitude,” he said of the loss. “We didn’t take our chances in the first half and didn’t play the conditions right in the second. But there’s no time to dwell. We’ve had it parked since we came in Monday.”
Despite a grueling schedule that included a Champions Cup quarterfinal loss to Bordeaux-Begles after a memorable win over La Rochelle, Munster remains focused on finishing strong.
“The two games we had in Europe were knockout rugby,” Coombes noted. “We’ve been in huge games for weeks now. That’s something this group thrives on.”
With their title hopes still alive and the season reaching a decisive point, Coombes is ready to lead Munster’s charge, just like he has all year.
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