Stars come in different shapes and sizes

James Coughlan won’t be lining out for the Irish Wolfhounds tomorrow evening at Kingsholm, and nor should he, writes Ronan O'Gara.

Ireland’s back-up squad has been selected on the basis of Joe Schmidt’s requirements and curiosities. Coughlan isn’t a factor in either at this stage; that’s quite understandable.

But Schmidt isn’t the first Irish coach to look beyond the Dolphin man. Coughlan hasn’t always been 33. He has been a consistent, persistent presence in a great Munster pack for a long time and anyone who has worked with him has serious time for what he stands for. Coughlan is a product of the club game in this country, a throwback whose appeal to international coaches always seemed compromised by his size, age and best position.