Gavin 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.

The 27-year-old has been one of Munster's most important players in recent seasons, as evidenced by his astonishing 35 tackles made in last Friday night's win away to Ulster.

Despite being almost ever-present for Munster, the back row has found it hard to impress Ireland head coach Andy Farrell.

After winning two caps for Ireland in the summer of 2021, Coombes is still waiting to add to that total, while he hasn’t been involved in the Ireland squad since being released from the World Cup training panel in August 2023.

Given his age profile, versatility and style of play, combined with him being out of favour with the national coaches, the Cork man would have been the ideal candidate for Top14 sides to try lure him away from Munster.

And while Coombes says he would happily spend his career at Munster, his unfinished business in the green jersey is a big reason why he was so keen to stay.

"It’s an easy decision to say yes to Munster, definitely," Coombes said, ahead of Friday’s big Christmas Interpro with Leinster at Thomond Park.

"It's a bit difficult with regards to...I have been in and around with Irish squads and that disappointment is constantly there. That was something to think about; do I look for a new challenge or do I back myself to try and put myself back in a position where I can add to my two Irish caps?

"No one wants to leave their home province, and that was the decision that I had to make and I believe that signing and staying for the next few years is definitely the right option for me."

If he is looking to catch the eye of the Irish coaches, then there will be no better