Sent to Coventry, but Coughlan ready

JAMES COUGHLAN is intent on helping Munster A enhance an unbeaten seasonal record when he captains the team in the opening clash of the new British and Irish Cup against English championship side Coventry at Butts Stadium, Coventry, tonight (7.45pm)

Coughlan is confident Munster’s domestic record against what he described as quality Leinster and Ulster teams over the last six weeks would stand to his side.

Coughlan was particularly prominent in his side’s most recent victory, against Ulster in Musgrave Park, and in welcoming the new competition he said: “It’s a great opportunity for us all but particularly for the younger players. There’s a real team feeling and a significant benefit has been the fact that we have had our own coaching team assigned to us – Axel (Anthony Foley) and Ian Costello have been magnificent.