Coombes motivated by Irish disappointment ahead of Munster's Champions Cup tie

MUNSTER Rugby's back-rower Gavin Coombes is ready to show his worth against Northampton Saints in their round 16 clash in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday.

After being omitted from this years Six Nations squad the west Cork man has gone back to the drawing board and has been working on his skills with Munster coaches.

Speaking about the shock of not being included in Andy Farrell's squad Coombes went on to state: "I have had time to reflect and look back on the summer and sit down with my coaches here in Munster and put a plan in place to try and get better in the areas that were letting me down a bit.

"I was obviously disappointed not to be included in the squad but it is a huge motivating factor to try and get back up there and add to my Irish caps. For me it was about not forgetting what I was good at while working on all areas of the game."

Munster face a huge test this Sunday at Franklin's Gardens and Coombes is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead of himself and his teammates. 

"I am very aware of the importance of this competition and European rugby as a whole. Munster have a huge history in the Champions Cup and everyone wants to win it so it just makes Sunday's game an even bigger occasion."

Sunday's game, 12.30, in Northampton will be shown live on UTV and TNT Sports 1.