Gavin Coombes Named On URC Elite XV
11th May 2023 By The Editor
Gavin Coombes after the quarter-final win over Glasgow Warriors.
Gavin Coombes has been included in the URC Elite XV, joining ‘Tackle Machine’ John Hodnett in being recognised in the competition’s end-of-season awards.
In 14 URC appearances so far this season, Coombes has scored 10 tries in another outstanding campaign for the Skibbereen man.
Ireland accounted for six of the 15 players selected, which were determined by a media vote, with four coming from South Africa, two each from Scotland and Italy and one from Wales.
A total of 11 teams – and seven of the top eight sides – had at least one player included, with Leinster leading the way with three.
Players had to have made a minimum of nine appearances to be considered, with the media panel given a shortlist of 10 players per position, provided by URC StatMaster. The player with the most votes in each position earned a place in the team.
URC Elite XV
15: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls)
14: Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby)
13: Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors)
12: Daniel du Plessis (DHL Stormers)
11: Simone Gesi (Zebre Parma)
10: Ross Byrne (Leinster)
9: Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks)
1: Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers)
2: Dan Sheehan (Leinster)
3: Finlay Bealham (Connacht)
4: Niall Murray (Connacht)
5: Federico Ruzza (Benetton)
6: Vaea Fifita (Scarlets)
7: Scott Penny (Leinster)
8: Gavin Coombes (Munster)
Places in the Elite XV are the latest prizes to be revealed as part of three weeks of URC Awards announcements.
The Try of the Season, Ironman, Gilbert Golden Boot and Vodacom Fans’ Player of the Season are too be disclosed next week.
The BKT Coach of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season and Vodacom Fans’ Player of the Season are then revealed in the build-up to the Grand Final.
URC Awards 2022-23
OFX Top Try Scorer: Tom Stewart (Ulster)
Tackle Machine: John Hodnett (Munster)
Turnover King: Thomas Young (Cardiff)
Elite XV: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors), Daniel du Plessis (DHL Stormers), Simone Gesi (Zebre Parma), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Niall Murray (Connacht), Federico Ruzza (Benetton), Vaea Fifita (Scarlets), Scott Penny (Leinster), Gavin Coombes (Munster)
Next-Gen Player of the Season: Tom Stewart (Ulster)
