James Coughlan's Toulon adventure: 'I want to make a mark that I was here and did something'

James Coughlan at Toulon’s training ground. The former Munster man has been enjoying his time as defence coach at the three-time Champions Cup winners but knows that the pressure is on to achiever success. ‘We have to win something,’ he says. Picture: Simon Lewis

If James Coughlan was seeking job security when his playing career came to an end, he might have chosen education rather than the pathway he is following.

And if he was under any illusions permanent tenure came with a coaching gig in professional rugby, a piece of practical advice from a former Munster colleague on his arrival at Toulon this summer will have set him straight in short order.