Paul O’Connell has addressed the fallout from Tadhg Furlong’s citing, including Johnny Sexton’s comments before the Ireland prop’s disciplinary hearing.

Furlong is available for Ireland after an independent disciplinary committee unanimously dismissed the citing complaint arising from an incident involving Munster’s Gavin Coombes during their meeting with Leinster.

Speaking ahead of Ireland’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina, O’Connell acknowledged that it had been a difficult period for both players.

“He’s a big leader in the group,” O’Connell told The Irish Times.

“So yeah, it’s excellent. We’re missing two important leaders in the group. Well, more than two, but Jack Conan and Caelan Doris in the forwards, so it would have been disappointing to have lost him.

“Tough week for him and a tough week for Gavin [Coombes] as well, I’m sure.”

Munster subsequently expressed their unhappiness with some of the commentary surrounding the incident before the hearing.

O’Connell was asked whether that could have included Sexton’s public defence of Furlong, and whether people should avoid commenting before a case has been heard.

“I don’t think Johnny would have meant anything bad by that,” O’Connell replied.

“I know Gav very well. Gav has been in with us loads of times and will be in with us again in the future, and he’s a fantastic player as well. I suppose he felt something happened.

“Tadhg felt whatever happened – happened by accident, and it was just unfortunate. Coaches do have to, you know, speak up for their players and protect their players. Leinster have to do that. Munster have to do it. So, it’s just important everyone moves on now.”

The Ireland forwards coach also discussed the challenges of coaching players to clear out opponents legally at the breakdown while avoiding dangerous contact.

“When approaching the ruck, we want to be really low on the clean-out. But you’re trying to avoid that head contact all the time,” he said.

“You’re trying to coach that discipline is really important, winning the penalty count and trying to keep 15 players on the field.”

For Ireland, Furlong’s availability provides an experienced option in a forward pack already missing the leadership of Doris and Conan as preparations continue for Argentina.