The back-row forward has secured an early release from his contract and is expected to move to France next season.
There had been speculation that Coughlan could leave Munster for some time and the province confirmed the news today with a statement revealing that they had granted him early release from a contract that wasn’t due to expire until June of next year and that they support him in his decision to move abroad.
Coughlan, 33, was something of a late developer and didn’t join Munster until he was 26, making his debut against Cardiff Blues in September 2006. Since then, however, he has established himself as one of Munster’s most important players and as a leader in the red jersey, captaining the province on numerous occasions, including the famous victory over Australia in the 2010/11 season.
Coughlan made 139 appearances for Munster and scored 13 tries in a career that took in the Heineken Cup victory in 2008 and two Celtic League successes in 2009 and 2011. Coughlan won the Munster Rugby Player of the Year award in 2011 and was shortlisted for the award in 2012 and again this year.
The former Dolphin player was summoned for senior international duty on numerous occasions but never won a cap, although he did feature in an uncapped international against the Barbarians in 2012 and captained the Irish Wolfhounds as well as representing the Ireland 7s side. The fact that Coughlan has never been capped at test level for Ireland, however, is something that has stuck in the craw of Munster supporters for a number of years now.
A report in the Irish Independent this week suggested that outgoing Munster backs coach Simon Mannix was keen to take Coughlan to Pau, where Mannix will take over as Directeur Sportif this summer, although such a move will represent a fairly significant step down for Coughlan as Pau currently operate in the second tier of professional rugby in France.
Commenting on his decision today, Coughlan said: “This was a difficult decision for me to make. I was presented with an opportunity that I had to take for myself and my young family as we plan for our future. I want to thank Garrett (Fitzgerald) and the Professional Game Committee for their support in facilitating my request to leave the province.
“Playing for Munster has been a dream come through. I never thought I would have achieved what I have and the whole experience has been life-changing.
“I am so thankful for my career and the incredible support I have received along the way. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am leaving but an amazing challenge awaits me and my family.
“My wife Katri and children Finn, Aoibhinn and Elsie have been an incredible support and we are really looking forward to the next chapter of our lives.
“I want to wish the Munster Rugby squad, staff and supporters all the success for the future, and my family and I will always be cheering you on!”
He’ll be missed around Thomond Park next season, that’s for sure.
