Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Gavin Coombes: 'It's about having a response to the performance against Edinburgh'

Munster not lacking for motivation against Warriors

Gavin Coombes wasn't involved in the loss to Edinburgh but putting that wrong right is just one of the team's motivations when they take on Glasgow Warriors this evening.

United Rugby Championship • 21 Mar

Gavin Coombes was called up to the Ireland squad this week

Costello backing Coombes and 'A' contingent to impress

Ian Costello is backing his province's Ireland 'A' contingent to grasp their chance to impress the Irish management this week.

United Rugby Championship • 17 Feb

Gavin Coombes starts at number eight for Munster against Leinster on Friday

Coombes motivated by unfinished business with Ireland

Gavin Coombes says breaking back into the Ireland team remains his big ambition, after he agreed a new two-year contract at Munster this week.

Rugby • 26 Dec 24

The Munster number 8 may again be amongst the replacements for the semi-final

'A different challenge' - Coombes adjusting to new role

For the last couple of months, Gavin Coombes has found himself battling with quantity and quality.

United Rugby Championship • 13 Jun 24

Gavin Coombes has had a big impact off the bench in recent weeks

Bench role could be Coombes' route back to Irish squad

Bernard Jackman believes Gavin Coombes' new role for Munster off the bench could prove to be the point of difference to get him back into the Ireland squad.

United Rugby Championship • 05 Jun 24

Gavin Coombes and Stuart McCloskey are under pressure to make Ireland's squad

Jackman: McCloskey and Coombes could miss out on squad

Bernard Jackman believes Stuart McCloskey and Gavin Coombes may fall victim to a numbers game when Andy Farrell names his Irish Rugby World Cup squad later this month.

Rugby • 09 Aug 23

Coombes is looking to win his third Ireland cap this weekend

Jackman: Coombes deserves his chance to impress v Italy

Bernard Jackman believes Munster's Gavin Coombes is one of the fringe players who deserves a shot in the Ireland team in Saturday's opening Bank of Ireland Nations Series game against Italy.

Rugby • 02 Aug 23

Coombes' hat-trick helps Munster demolish Ospreys

Munster showed no mercy as Gavin Coombes' hat-trick of tries inspired a thumping 58-3 win over an off-colour Ospreys in their United Rugby Championship clash at Thomond Park.

Rugby • 17 Feb 23

Zebo last featured against Edinburgh on 2 December 2022

Munster team news: Zebo returns in trio of changes

Simon Zebo will make his first appearance for Munster since December as the province welcomes Ospreys to Thomond Park for Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship clash.

Rugby • 16 Feb 23

Coombes is expected to be back in the Ireland squad when it is named tomorrow

Jackman and Cronin backing Coombes for Ireland recall

Bernard Jackman and Sean Cronin are backing Munster's Gavin Coombes to earn an Ireland recall for the Six Nations.

Rugby • 18 Jan 23

Coombes missed the first three games of the season due to a groin injury

Coombes in line for Munster return against Connacht

Gavin Coombes is in contention to make his first appearance of the season for Munster in Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship Interpro against Connacht.

Rugby • 03 Oct 22

Treadwell dominated the hosts in his 57 minutes on the pitch

Ratings: Treadwell and Coombes star in win v Maori side

Here's how we rated the Irish players during their 30-24 win against the Maori All Blacks in Wellington.

Rugby • 12 Jul 22

Gavin Coombes suffered an ankle injury in the first half of the defeat to Leinster

Injuries mount for Munster ahead of Exeter showdown

Munster head coach Johann van Graan is bracing himself to be without three of his Six Nations internationals as well as Gavin Coombes for the first leg of their Heineken Champions Cup last 16 against Exter on Saturday.

Rugby • 04 Apr 22

Conor Murray after the home defeat to Leinster in the United Rugby Championship

Van Graan: Leinster were too good for us

Munster head coach Johann van Graan admitted his team were very much second best to Leinster in their 19-34 home defeat in the United Rugby Championship.

Rugby • 03 Apr 22

Coombes has scored 21 tries in 49 appearances for Munster

Munster's Gavin Coombes signs contract extension

Munster number 8 Gavin Coombes has signed a two-year contract extension at the province.

Rugby • 30 Mar 22

Coombes returns as Munster ring changes for Benetton

Craig Casey and Gavin Coombes return as Munster make eight changes for Friday's United Rugby Championship fixture against Benetton Rugby at Musgrave Park.

Rugby • 24 Mar 22

Gavin Coombes, Ryan Baird, Robert Baloucoune, Dave Kilcoyne and Nick Timoney all have opportunities to impress

URC weekend an audition for Farrell's fringe players

With 14 of the Irish squad released back to their provinces for the United Rugby Championship this week, Neil Treacy looks at those who could force their way into contention for the game against Italy.

Rugby • 14 Feb 22

Gavin Coombes made a team-high 27 carries against Ulster on Saturday

Coombes ready to kick on after 'disappointing' stretch

Having recently returned from a 10-week lay-off, Gavin Coombes is hoping to get back to his best just in time for the Six Nations.

Rugby • 13 Jan 22

Robbie Henshaw and Dorothy Wall won the men's and women's senior awards

Henshaw and Wall the big winners at RPI awards

Robbie Henshaw and Dorothy Wall claimed the major honours at this year's Zurich Irish Rugby Players Awards.

Rugby • 03 Dec 21

Joey Carbery, Simon Zebo and Gavin Coombes are among those who Jackman and Lenihan want to see more of

Jackman and Lenihan on possible changes for Argentina

Andy Farrell should avoid wholesale changes for Sunday's final Autumn Nations Series game against Argentina, according to Bernard Jackman and Donal Lenihan.

Rugby • 17 Nov 21

(l-r) Josh van der Flier, Gavin Coombes, Caelan Doris, Jack Conan

Irish back row riches leave Farrell spoiled for choice

Ireland have arguably never had such a high-calibre stock of back rows at their disposal, writes Michael Glennon.

Rugby • 05 Nov 21

Dan Goggin played a big role in Munster's attack

Munster game plan a 'work in progress' - Van Graan

Munster head coach Johann van Graan says the evolution of their game plan is still a "work in progress", despite some positive signs in their United Championship win against the Sharks.

Rugby • 27 Sep 21

Simon Zebo marked his return to Thomond Park in style

Zebo marks return with brace as Munster hammer Sharks

Simon Zebo scored two tries on his return to Thomond Park, as Munster ran in six tries to beat the Cell C Sharks 42-17 at Thomond Park.

Rugby • 25 Sep 21

Gavin Coombes

With 14 tries in 21 games it was another prolific season for the Corkman, but it was improvements in his overall game that saw him receive huge praise in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Munster • 26 Aug 24

Ronan Kelleher touches down for his fourth try

Ten-try Ireland cruise past USA as Kelleher scores four

Ronan Kelleher claimed a record-equalling four tries as an experimental Ireland team beat USA 71-10 at the Aviva Stadium.

Rugby • 10 Jul 21