A GROIN injury will force Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray to miss the remainder of the Autumn Nations Test Series.
The Patrickswell man, making his first start in almost a year in the number No. 9 shirt, was turning in an impressive performance when he was forced to retire early in the defeat of World Champions South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Jonnny Sexton said after the gritty 19-16 triumph that he “was gutted for Conor.”
“He was really good for the 30 minutes he played and had to come off with an injury on his 100th cap,” the Ireland captain said, ”but he can be unbelievably proud of the milestone.”
Head Coach Andy Farrell added: “We’re unbelievably privileged to be part of the Irish set-up when things like this happen. Eight of them have happened as far as the 100 club is concerned and for us to be able to get Conor’s family in, during the week, it’s great for us all to be part of.”
The IRFU confirmed that Murray will commence his rehab at Munster.
Farrell will now choose between Murray’s Munster colleague Craig Casey of Shannon and Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster) for the starting scrum-half slot against Fiji next weekend.
Five-times capped Casey skippered Ireland A against an All-Blacks Selection at the RDS on Friday night.
Munster ten Jack Crowely has also been added to the Ireland squad ahead of the weekend.
