'Grateful' Conor Murray signs on beyond Rugby World Cup

Munster, Ireland and Lions scrumhalf Conor Murray has signed a contract extension with the IRFU that will keep him in the country beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 32-year-old has signed on until July, 2024, when he will have reached the age of 35.

Murray made his international debut against France in a Rugby World Cup warm-up game in August 2011 and has since represented his country at three Rugby World Cups in 2011, 2015 and 2019. To date, he has 92 caps for Ireland and has won three Six Nations championships (2014, 2015, 2018).

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented, "Conor has had some challenges in the past few seasons but has put some niggling injuries behind him to play a central role with Munster, Ireland and the Lions. He is a popular figure in every squad he is involved in and adds a huge amount of experience and value to younger players coming through."

Conor Murray, commented "I’m delighted and grateful to be able to continue living this dream of playing here in Ireland. With my home province Munster and the national squad, I truly believe there’s huge potential of success and that there will be many more big days ahead."

The Limerick man has toured with the British and Irish Lions three times and was named tour captain this summer in the absence of the injured Alun Wyn Jones. During the three tours, he appeared in eight Test matches for the Lions on the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours.

Murray made his Munster debut against Connacht in 2010 and has played 153 times for the province, scoring 170 points and winning the Celtic Cup in 2011.