Murphy takes his chance in big league

Good things come in threes. Geordan Murphy would certainly subscribe to the old adage, particularly after the last four days in which he was offered a new contract at Leicester, invited to make himself available for the Ireland Under-21 squad to tour France later this month and selected for Saturday's televised clash with Bath.

The 20-year-old former Newbridge College out-half no longer finds himself on the periphery of first team affairs. An injury to former Lions full back Tim Stimpson has given Murphy an opportunity, one which he has grasped authoritatively.

In the process he has elbowed his way past last season's incumbent, South African born Michael Horak. It represents a significant change in fortune from a miserable summer as Murphy explains: "I dislocated my shoulder in June which meant that I missed out on a great deal of the pre-season work.

"When I did get back into training, I fully expected to be third choice full back at best behind Stimo (Tim Stimpson) and Horak. But an opportunity arose to play in an Allied Dunbar game against Sale because of injuries and Dean Richards asked me to play fly-half. It was the first time I have done so since leaving school as they have used me as a full back here in Leicester.

"I think I acquitted myself reasonably well so the following week I was asked to play outside centre against Bath United, their second team, and again didn't do too badly. During that game Horak was injured and I moved to fullback. Tim was injured for the next league match against Richmond and I must confess to being a little surprised that I was chosen ahead of Michael.

"The game went well so I was kept for the West Hartlepool match." Murphy's reputation was embellished with two tries, earning flattering reviews for his performance from the national and local media. "I took the opportunities but it was down to others in terms of creating the chances."

There was an auspicious beginning to the week when a latter arrived on Monday morning from the IRFU inquiring about his availability for a trip with the national Under-21 squad to France later this month. This was quickly followed by Murphy signing a new contract with the Tigers.

"Dean told me that I was doing very well and wanted me to sign a three-year deal but I opted for two, this season and next with an option on a third. It was good to get that completed so that I can now concentrate on the rugby."

The third morale-boost arrived at training yesterday when he learned that he had retained the fullback berth for the televised clash with Bath.

Stimpson was available once again but reported with a cold and the selectors, Richards and former flanker John Wells, decided to retain the young Irishman. "I don't think playing in a match that will be shown live on Sky will make too much of a difference," Murphy laughs. "There are inherent pressures in every game for the first team.

"I am just looking upon it as a great opportunity. The presence in the club of Australian international Pat Howard and (South African) Joel Stransky has helped me to develop. Pat in particular has been very helpful, always prepared to offer a little advice. I have worked hard to develop physically and on the basic skills.

"I received my breakthrough from Bob Dwyer last year when I played 13 games for the first team but I was resigned to having to be more patient this year. At the moment, things are better than I could have hoped but things can change with one match.

"My priority is to just continue developing and if that means I stay in the Leicester team, then brilliant. Making the national Under side is also an ambition and again that is something that can be achieved only if I play well. The next opportunity is the Bath match."

Murphy expects a large contingent from Kildare for the weekend including his parents. "I certainly won't lack for support." A genuine talent, Murphy's continuing exposure to first-team rugby should precipitate a rise through national team grades. But who would be an Irish Under-21 selector - the same problem may apply at A level - this season? Gordon D'Arcy or Geordan Murphy? Let battle commence.