Munster’s derby delight as Murray rejoins fray

Conor Murray is set for his first start of the season on Saturday with head coach Rob Penney calling the Lions star “one of the best half-backs in the world” ahead of the showdown with Leinster at Thomond Park.

Speaking at the Irish launch of this season’s Heineken Cup campaign, with Munster visiting Edinburgh on October 12, Penney spoke of a wish to lay down an early marker against RaboDirect Pro12 champions Leinster this weekend, with Murray’s probable return a significant boost in that objective.

Murray, 24, was due back last Saturday against Newport Gwent Dragons before a toe injury intervened, but he returned to training yesterday and Penney confirmed his first-choice No 9 was available.