Career
He can play across the Back-Row, but primarily plays at Number 8. He continued playing when he went to Canadian Broadcasting Company, and was selected for Irish Schools. He went to UCC, and played for Irish Universities.
He joined Dolphin in 2001 and has played 85 times for them in Associate of the Institute of Bankers League/Cup, scoring 32 tries, a club record.
Coughlan also played on the Irish Sevens team in 2008 that qualified for the 2009 Rugby Sevens World Cup, which was held in Dubai. Coughlan made his debut against Cardiff Blues in the Magners League in September 2006, and his performances in his first season earned him a full contract.
Coughlan was one of the stars for in their 16–18 defeat by New Zealand at the opening of Thomond Park in November 2008. Denis Leamy"s injuries propelled Coughlan into the starting XV in the 2009/2010 season, and since then he has become a mainstay in the team
In January 2013, Coughlan agreed a contract extension with Coughlan was nominated for the IRUPA Unsung Hero 2014 award on 23 April 2014.
On 27 May 2014, it was announced that Coughlan would be leaving in June 2014. Coughlan joined French Pro D2 side at the beginning of the 2014-2015 season. Coughlan was called into the senior squad for the 2012 Six Nations Championship to replace the injured Leo Cullen but did not play.
He was also called up to the squad for the uncapped warm-up against the Barbarians on 29 May 2012 in Gloucester.
He came on in the 60th minute for Chris Henry. He was called into "s training squad for the 2013 Six Nations Championship on 21 January 2013.
Coughlan captained Wolfhounds in their friendly against England Saxons on 25 January 2013. He was added to "s squad for their game against Scotland on 17 February 2013.
On 23 October 2013, Coughlan was named in the squad for the 2013 Autumn Tests.