Limericks Conor Murray talks “Surreal” Lions captaincy

Conor Murray has been named Lions captain for the 2021 tour of South Africa following an injury sustained to initial captain Alun Wyn Jones. The announcement illustrates the 32-year-olds impact and leadership qualities and the impact he’s had on previous Lions tours.

The Munster man has had a stellar career to this point and will now follow in the footsteps of other Irish captains to lead the touring squad such as Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony. 

The decision comes following a huge blow dealt to Gatland’s men early in their tour preparations as Welsh captain Jones, who was originally selected to captain the side went down injured in their opening game 28-10 victory against Japan with a dislocated shoulder.

The Limerick man will now lead the team into battle this summer in what is viewed as a surprise selection by many. Murray has never captained his country to date. However, having had impressive performances on previous tours in Australia and New Zealand many will feel the decision is warranted.\

The former St.Munchin’s scrumhalf made his debut for Munster in 2010 against Connacht and hasn’t looked back sense going from strength to strength and is now seen as a key member of the province and the Ireland squad with several honours to his name at both club and country. The three-time Six Nations winner and former Munster player of the year has earned this opportunity and will look to prove Gatland right with his appointment.

The new Lions captain stated “Warren asked me just before the cap ceremony and it was surreal. I still don’t have my head around it, but it’s something that is an unbelievable honour”. “I didn’t think about it long “he said and added “I said absolutely”.

The experienced Irishman has beaten away other experienced contenders for the captaincy including Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje and will now look to replicate the strong leadership of former Munster men who also captained the side.

With two previous tours under his belt the Limerick man will look to use all of his experience and character to galvanise the team ahead of the challenge awaiting them in South Africa and said “It’s something that I never thought would be possible. What kind of puts me at ease is that we’ve such a good leadership group that it means I can continue being myself”.

With 89 caps for his country Murray will now look to step up for what is the greatest individual achievement of his career to date. When discussing his newly appointed role the Munster scrumhalf mentioned the responsibility he now has and understands the importance of leadership going forward in the upcoming test matches. “When you’re a Lion, you realise who you’re playing for, what you’re trying to achieve as a player and who you want to make proud” stated the new captain.

The experienced Lions player added “I’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of leaders and they always bring It back to who you’re trying to make proud and what you’re actually here for. I think driving that message is important”.

Murray will not be phased by the challenge and will not shirk responsibility of influencing his side to a test series victory stating, “It’s something I’m going to relish and enjoy rather than feeling daunted by it”.

Warren Gatland’s side will be playing their first game in South Africa against the Emirates Lions on July 3^rdwith the Test against the Springboks kicking off on July 24^th with Murray looking to lead this talented team to a test series win.