URC committee dismisses citing against Tadhg Furlong

An independent United Rugby Championship disciplinary committee unanimously dismissed the citing against Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong, finding that he did not commit foul play under Law 9.27. The ruling leaves him eligible to play when selected for his next match. The complaint followed an incident during Leinster’s 24-18 win over Munster at the Aviva Stadium on October 24. Munster number eight Gavin Coombes said he had been grabbed in the groin during a ruck. The citing commissioner brought a complaint under Law 9.27, which prohibits conduct against the spirit of good sportsmanship, including grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals. The committee reviewed evidence and submissions before reaching its decision. Its ruling said the complaint should be dismissed because Furlong had not committed an act of foul play contrary to the law. The hearing took place by video conference on October 29. The decision also addressed Coombes’s account. The committee found that he had given an honest account of his recollection and that the complaint was properly brought before it for determination. That finding accompanied, but did not alter, the dismissal of the citing against Furlong....