Conor Murray facts for kids

Gerard Conor Murray (born 20 April 1989) is an Irish rugby player who played as a scrum-half. He was a key player for the United Rugby Championship club Munster and the Ireland national team. He also played for the British & Irish Lions. Murray left Munster at the end of the 2024–25 season and retired from international rugby after the 2025 Six Nations Championship.

Quick facts for kids
Conor Murray

Murray representing Ireland during the Six Nations
Full name	Gerard Conor Murray
Date of birth	(1989-04-20) 20 April 1989 (age 36)
Place of birth	Limerick, Ireland
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight	93 kg (205 lb; 14 st 9 lb)
School	St Munchin's College
University	University of Limerick
Rugby union career
Position(s) Scrum-half Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2010-2025 Munster 207 (198) Correct as of 31 May 2025 National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2009 Ireland U20 8 (24) 2011–2025 Ireland 125 (115) 2013, 2017, 2021 British & Irish Lions 8 (5) Correct as of 15 March 2025

Early Life and Rugby Beginnings

Murray was born in Limerick, Ireland. He went to St Munchin's College. There, he played on the same school rugby team as his future Munster and Ireland teammate, Keith Earls.

Playing for Munster

Conor Murray made his first professional appearance for Munster on 18 April 2010. This was in a game against Connacht. He was part of the Munster team that won the 2011 Celtic League Grand Final against Leinster in May 2011. This was a big win for Munster.

Key Moments with Munster

Murray quickly became an important player. He made his European debut in April 2011. In his first full season, he won the John McCarthy Award for Academy Player of the Year. He often won "Man-of-the-Match" awards for his great performances.

He signed new contracts with Munster and the IRFU in December 2013 and January 2016. In 2014, he was named Munster Senior Player of the Year. He also captained Munster in a game against Ospreys in September 2014.

In May 2017, Murray won the Rugby Players Ireland Players' Player of the Year Award. This award is voted on by other players. He played his 100th game for Munster in May 2017.

Murray continued to be a key player, even after a neck injury in 2018. He played his 50th Champions Cup game in January 2019. In May 2021, he reached 150 games for Munster. He helped Munster win the 2022–23 United Rugby Championship final in May 2023.

Murray left Munster at the end of the 2024–25 season.

Conor Murray playing scrum-half for Munster

Playing for Ireland

Conor Murray first joined Ireland's training squad in August 2011. He made his debut for Ireland against France on 13 August 2011. He was then chosen for the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad. He started his first World Cup game against the United States.

Ireland's Successes

Murray became a regular starter for Ireland. He scored his first try for Ireland against New Zealand in June 2012. He was a key part of the team that won the Six Nations Championship multiple times.

Ireland won the Six Nations in 2014 and 2015, which was their first time winning back-to-back championships since 1949. Murray was nominated for player awards during these successful years.

In November 2016, Murray scored a try in Ireland's historic 40–29 win against New Zealand in Chicago. This was Ireland's first-ever win against the All Blacks.

He played a big role when Ireland won a Grand Slam in the 2018 Six Nations Championship. This means they won all their games in the tournament. He also helped Ireland win a historic series against Australia in June 2018.

Murray continued to play for Ireland in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He was part of the team that won the Triple Crown in 2022. In November 2022, he earned his 100th cap for Ireland in a game against South Africa.

In 2023, Murray helped Ireland win another Grand Slam in the 2023 Six Nations Championship. He also played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Murray retired from international rugby after the 2025 Six Nations Championship.

Conor Murray playing during Ireland's 2023 Six Nations match against Italy

British & Irish Lions Tours

Conor Murray was chosen for the elite British & Irish Lions squad three times. The Lions team is made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

2013 Tour to Australia

He was selected for the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. He played in several tour matches and came off the bench in two test matches against Australia. The Lions won that series.

2017 Tour to New Zealand

Murray was again selected for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. He started in all three test matches against New Zealand. He scored a try in the second test, which the Lions won 24–21. This was a rare win for the Lions against New Zealand at home. The series ended in a draw.

2021 Tour to South Africa

He was chosen for his third Lions tour, the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. He was even named captain for a short time after the original captain was injured. Murray played in the test matches against South Africa. He became one of only ten players to have won a Lions test match against all three major Southern Hemisphere teams: Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Gaelic Football Background

Before becoming a professional rugby player, Conor Murray also played Gaelic football. He played for his local club, Patrickswell, and for Limerick county teams.

Honours and Awards

Conor Murray has won many awards and championships throughout his career.

Team Honours

• Munster
  • United Rugby Championship: Winner (2010–11, 2022–23)

• Ireland
  • Six Nations Championship: Winner (2014, 2015, 2018, 2023, 2024)
  • Grand Slam: Winner (2018, 2023)
  • Triple Crown: Winner (2018, 2022, 2023, 2025)

Individual Awards

• Munster Rugby Player of the Year: 2014
• Rugby Players Ireland Players' Player of the Year: 2017
• Midi Olympique World Player of the Year: 2018
• World Rugby Men's 15s Team of the Decade: 2010–2019

Images for kids

• 

  Conor Murray playing for Ireland

See also

In Spanish: Conor Murray para niños