Burns went from being a bricklayer to the 2011 World Cup with Wales and Coombs shares a similar humble back story to his now seemingly imminent international career.
The 28-year-old's RaboDirect PRO12 heroics this year - having switched from back row to lock - have been perfectly timed with Wales boss Rob Howley facing a second-row injury crisis.
Four years ago Coombs was working at a company owned by the father of Wales skipper Sam Warburton's girlfriend but having capped a meteoric rise with a Welsh call up the Dragons ace doesn't plan on resting on his laurels.
"I took a lot of inspiration from Burner [Lloyd Burns]," Coombs told South Wales Argus. "He is a similar character to me and we come from the same type of background.
"Seeing him do it made me think that I could as well. I've always believed I could achieve things - I just keep trying and see what comes my way.
"I knew there were a lot of injuries but I never quite believed I would get picked. I was blown away.
"I got into the Dragons team [in the second row] through other people being injured and it's exactly the same with Wales. I took the opportunity once and I want to do the same again.
"There's a lot of work to be done before then and I've got to get myself in contention but hopefully it will happen.
"It would be pointless going in there and just wanting to be part of it all, I'd be wasting my time. I am going in there for one thing and that's to play."
Coombs plans on strengthening his chances of making a Welsh debut in the Six Nations next month by producing a starring display in Thursday's night's clash with Wasps.
"The Welsh call-up is at the back of my mind because I need to concentrate on performing well against Wasps," he said.
"I see it as an opportunity to get myself in the side, not just the squad, so I need to impress. I don't want to be wrapped in cotton wool."