Ian Costello backing Gavin Coombes and Munster's Ireland '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.

Eight Munster players have been included in the Ireland ‘A’ squad for this Sunday’s meeting with England ‘A’ at Ashton Gate in Bristol, with the side to be coached by their provincial attack coach Mike Prendergast.

Additionally, back rows Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett have been added to the main Ireland squad ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations meeting with Wales in Cardiff.

While Hodnett has earned his first call-up to the senior team, Coombes will be back at the Irish rugby high performance centre for the first time since the World Cup training camp in 2023.

The number 8, who won two Ireland caps in the summer of 2021, gave a reminder of his talent on Saturday night at Thomond Park, scoring two tries and making 17 successful carries in the 29-8 win against the Scarlets.

"I think Gavin's playing some the best rugby I've ever seen him play," Munster’s interim head coach said.

Speaking on Saturday night after the BKT United Rugby Championship game, Costello had been under the impression Coombes [below] would be included with Prendergast’s ‘A’ side, and while he may still have some involvement in that game next Sunday, injuries to Caelan Doris, Cormac Izuchukwu and Iain Henderson have seen him promoted to the main panel.

"He's always been a quality player but what he's doing now is moment-on-moment. His physical and mental conditioning at the moment is on such an upward trajectory, he's worked really hard.

"And then the quality moments on the back of that as well, he's well deserving and I'm delighted he's got that opportunity with the ‘A’s, and I'd be surprised if he didn't take that with both