Van Graan hails progress of Munster hat-trick hero Gavin Coombes

Munster head coach Johann van Graan says the young number 8 has seized his opportunity 

Munster head coach Johann van Graan alongside forwards coach Graham Rowntree, senior coach Stephen Larkham and performance analyst George Murray during the Guinness PRO14 match between Munster and Ospreys at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

Johann van Graan paid tribute to Munster hat-trick hero Gavin Coombes for seizing his opportunity and playing his way into the reckoning for a European back-row place next month.

The 22-year-old Munster academy graduate, in his second year as a senior professional, made it five tries from three starts at No.8 as he helped his side to a 38-22 Guinness PRO14 bonus-point victory over Ospreys at Thomond Park on Sunday.