Coughlan On Departure – Part 2

In part 2 of our interview with the former Munster back-row, James reflects on his time at the province, the outcry from fans over his departure, and the Irish cap that eluded him in recent seasons.

Although not capped by Munster until his first league appearance, James’ debut in a Munster jersey came in the familiar surroundings of Musgrave Park, home to Dolphin RFC. ‘Chucken’ as he’s affectionately known within both club and province went on to score a try in Munster’s pre-season victory over the Leicester Tigers in August 2006.

“I have fond memories of it, and even have a picture hanging up at home of me running out in Musgrave Park in the grey jersey which I also still have at home. That’s one of the nicer sides to moving house – you come across some old memorabilia that’s been stored away and you haven’t seen in ages.

“I made my competitive debut soon after in the Magners League (now PRO12) against Cardiff. I was quite lucky that year as it was World Cup year, meaning I got a good run of games early in the season, giving me a feel for the required level. I then spent the next couple of years in and out of the side, ‘busting my balls’, hoping to get a shot. It was tough as Munster were never short of serious talent in the back row – Wally, Leamy and Quinny, just to name a few. You look at the young players coming up and I think it’s an area where Munster will continue to have strength in depth.”

Does James have any standout memories in the Red of Munster?

“First and foremost, every day I got here I felt blessed, because I didn’t think I’d get it. Some days just being in the gym and having a laugh with the lads is as good as anything. The mates you make here are the things you miss the most, they’re what you try to hold on to once you leave a club.

“With that in mind there is no one particular stand out moment but if I had to pick a couple; the defeat of Leinster in the Magners League Final, and with Darbs (Paul Darbyshire) being as sick as he was at the time, it was a massively emotional time.

“The win over Australia (Nov 2010) where I was fortunate enough to be captain stands out as well obviously. I’ll never forget the conditions that night, we almost got hypothermia. I remember going in to chat with a couple of the (Australian) lads who I had played against at schools level and they were wrapped in tinfoil. The poor fellas hadn’t acclimatised to the bad Irish winters.

“The All Blacks game goes without saying. It was an amazing game and spectacle, and something which will undoubtedly add to the folklore of Munster Rugby.”

Munster through and through, Mr. Consistency and a fan favourite, news of James’ departure was met with much emotion both from fans and the man himself.

“I was totally overwhelmed by the response when I announced that I was moving on. In fact I spent most of the week crying and trying to get a grip, such is my love for Munster Rugby, those I trained with every day and the supporters.

“Hopefully when I go to the South of France, with the same work and dedication, I’ll get the same support there. Just like in Munster they’re very passionate about their rugby, and you never know, we might even get a few Munster supporters down to watch a rugby game.”

Despite numerous standout performances in the red of Munster, as well as becoming Munster Rugby Player of the Year in 2011 and IRUPA Unsung Hero in 2013, James took part in a number of Ireland training camps but his efforts were never rewarded with a full Irish cap. Greatly appreciative for what he has achieved the Dolphin man said,

“I thought I had done enough through my performances on the pitch but it was not to be, the door was closed for me. Is it something that keeps me up at night? Not at all. Despite not getting a full Irish cap I got to play in nine competition semi-finals with Munster, win a couple of Magners Leagues and I was part of the squad that won a Heineken Cup in 2008. At international level I did represent Ireland against the Barbarians, and at a World Cup in Sevens.

“I got to play for Munster 139 times. If I had just played here once that would have been enough.”