Coughlan is a dynamic young player from the Dolphin club in Cork. He helped them to promotion to Division 1 of the AIB League in 2007 and helped them to cement their place in the league with a strong challenge for a top four place.

He made his Munster debut in 2007 on the back of his club form and has made a number of appearences for them in the last season including a try scoring game against Ulster in March.