Limerick's Conor Murray ready to face France despite father being hospitalised following accident

MUNSTER and Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray is in “good form” and ready to face France in the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday, despite his father suffering “serious injuries” in an incident earlier this week.

Murray emerged as potential doubt for the weekend match on Wednesday evening but was named in the starting XV the following afternoon.

Head coach Andy Farrell opted against going into specific details about the player’s personal issue on Thursday before news broke of his dad Gerry being treated in hospital.

British and Irish Lion Murray trained at the Aviva Stadium this Friday morning, with Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty offering words of support on behalf of the squad.

“Yeah, he’s in good form, he’s back in with the group and he’s in good form and he’s looking forward to tomorrow,” said Fogarty.

“We wish his dad the very best from the squad and a quick recovery.”

The Limerick man, who has 101 Ireland caps, started last weekend’s 34-10 championship win in Wales after stepping in as a late replacement due to a hamstring injury to first-choice number nine Jamison Gibson-Park.

Asked if there was a possibility of Conor Murray being stood down for this weekend's match, Fogarty replied: “Not that I’m aware of. Conor’s good, he’s great, all considered.”