It has been confirmed that Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong has been cited following an incident during Leinster's clash with Munster at the weekend.

Munster forward Gavin Coombes was left furious after a controversial exchange during his side's 24-18 defeat to Leinster.

Footage circulating on social media appears to show Coombes involved in an off-the-ball incident with Leinster and Ireland prop Furlong.

The Munster number eight appeared to indicate that his groin had been grabbed during the exchange.

The incident took place in the first half, with referee Andrew Brace consulting the TMO before allowing play to continue.

The United Rugby Championship (URC) has since confirmed that Furlong has been cited over the incident.

In a statement, the league said:

"Leinster Rugby’s Tadhg Furlong has been cited for an incident that occurred in the 37th minute of the United Rugby Championship Round 4 fixture at the Aviva Stadium against Munster Rugby on Saturday, October 24.

"The Citing Commissioner in charge has made a complaint about an act of foul play by the Player (Tadhg Furlong No 3) against opponent Gavin Coombes (No 8).

"The Player has been cited under Law 9.27 – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship including but not limited to grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.

"Arrangements for the disciplinary process are currently in progress and will be announced in due course."

It is important to stress that Furlong has not been found guilty of the alleged offence. However, if the incident is upheld, the Ireland international could face a lengthy suspension.

World Rugby's guidelines for Law 9.27 state that "Grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals" carries a low-end sanction of 12 weeks, a mid-range punishment of 18 weeks and a top-end ban of 24 weeks or more.

Any suspension of that length would cause Furlong to miss Ireland's upcoming fixtures in the Nations Championship.

The footage circulating online appears to raise serious questions about the incident, but the outcome will depend on the disciplinary process. Furlong's guilt or innocence has yet to be established.