'We're fighting for same position but we leave it on the pitch' - Connacht's Darragh Murray on battle with brother Niall

Connacht's brothers in arms Darragh and Niall Murray with Piers O'Conor

Connacht lock Darragh Murray says he is in an ongoing battle with his older brother Niall for selection in the second but the Roscommon brothers leave it all of the rivalry on the pitch.

Older brother Niall (25) has chalked up 80 appearances for his native province but his 23-year-old sibling has also made a big impression in his 30 games and was one of those to impress on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa back in September.

Further international recognition for the former Irish U-20 may be dependent on game-time with Connacht but competition in the second row is keen, not least with the older brother vying for selection.

“We're still fighting for the position but it's all good. We leave it on the pitch anyways,” said Darragh Murray as he prepares for Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash in Perpignan.

He knows their season has been inconsistent but they are boosted by last weekend’s bonus point win over Zebre.

“It's been up and down, but we feel like some of the games we just didn't perform to where we wanted to perform. And we look at that and try and get back at them. We've been happy we've been fixing whatever went wrong, and we've been kind of moving forward and looking into the future more than anything.

“Really big challenge going out there to France, but we have been working on it all week, looking into them and seeing what the threats are and try and beat them there,” he added.

The Emerging Ireland tour was another step in his development and with big Christmas derbies coming up against Leinster and Ulster, there may be further opportunity to enhance his cause.

“Delighted with how it went, delighted to be picked,” added Murray about the tour to Bloemfontein. “You know it’s a great honour to represent your country even if it is for Emerging Ireland. Yeah, very good times. Nice to be coached by Paul O’Connell and all them lads. It's different.” He noted how Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu pushed on from that tour to make his full Irish debut in the autumn internationals and he was delighted for the Offaly native.

“Absolutely. I was delighted for him when I saw playing with Emerging Ireland. He's a great lad. And, just focus on myself then and just try and push on and reach that level then.

“There was a little bit that I needed to work on, you know, different parts. All the coaches kind of gave you areas where you could do better. So I tried to come back here then and work on them here then,” he added.