As we look back on the leading individual defensive statistics from the pool stage of the Heineken Champions, Munster Rugby forward Gavin Coombes stands out, appearing in the top 10 of both.

Tackles – Gavin Coombes (67)

EPCR Player of the Year nominee Coombes leads the way by six from Northampton Saints forward David Ribbans, helping Munster claim sixth place in Pool A and a Round of 16 trip to Cell C Sharks.

Ribbans’ efforts were in vain, as Northampton finished bottom of Pool B and so exited both EPCR competitions, but Saracens flanker Ben Earl, third with 57 tackles, was a key reason for the three-time champions gaining a home tie against Ospreys.

Turnovers – Will Evans (9)

The Harlequins flanker just tops the turnover table, by one from three players – Sale Sharks prop Bevan Rodd, DHL Stormers hooker Deon Fourie and Stade Toulousain hooker Julien Marchand – as the London club sealed a trip to DHL Stormers in the Round of 16.

Coombes is then in a group of three players on seven, with the others being Cell C Sharks flanker Vincent Tshituka and Ulster Rugby flanker Nick Timoney.