BREAKING: Conor Murray to depart Munster Rugby at the end of the season

DECORATED Limerick scrum-half Conor Murray is to depart Munster Rugby at the end of the season.

It has been confirmed this Thursday that Patrickswell man Murray will pursue a playing opportunity abroad following the conclusion of his Munster Rugby contract in July.

Murray is to retire from playing with Ireland at the conclusion of the Six Nations Championship.

One of the best players in Munster Rugby history, Murray has played 199 times for the province to date and earned 123 caps for Ireland. He also also announced that he will retire from international rugby with Ireland at the end of the 6 Nations Championship.

After making his Munster debut as an Academy player in 2010, the Limerick scrum-half shot up the ranks and started a World Cup quarter-final in 2011 within 20 months of his first senior appearance for Munster.

He has gone on to become one of the most decorated players in the history of Munster and Irish rugby, earning 116 Ireland caps and touring with the British & Irish Lions on three occasions.

A former St Munchin’s College student, the Garryowen man won his fifth 6 Nations title with Ireland last year and earned his second Celtic League/URC title with Munster in 2022/23.

He was named Academy Player of the Year in 2011 and won the Senior Men’s Player of the Year award in 2014.

Head of Rugby Operations and Interim Head Coach Ian Costello said: “Conor is a fantastic player and person. He joined our Academy in 2008 and his passion and drive to improve every day and become a better player after every training session helped him become one of the best scrum-halfs of all-time.

“That drive and determination has kept him performing at the highest level for almost 15 years. Very few players in the history of the sport have achieved what he has at club and international level and it has been a pleasure to watch him thrive on the biggest stage.

“I was lucky enough to coach Conor when he first joined the Academy and watching him go on to achieve what he has and become an inspiration for so many young players in Munster has been incredible to see.

“He is a brilliant ambassador for Munster and Irish Rugby and a true great of the sport.

“While we will be sad to see him move on, he has been exceptional for us since joining 17 years ago and will leave at the end of the season with nothing but the very best wishes from everyone here.”