Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray says he’s ‘honoured’ after picking up Midi Olympique’s prestigious World Player of the Year award in Paris on Monday night.
Murray, a key player in Ireland’s spectacular 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam triumph, was voted for by readers of Midi Olympique and picked up the award at a glittering ceremony in Paris.
The 29-year-old helped Munster to the semi-finals of the Guinness PRO14 and European Champions Cup last season and enjoyed a stellar year in the Ireland No.9 shirt – topping the passes made statistic for the 2018 Six Nations as an indicator of his influence.
Murray also scored two tries and set up four others in the 2018 Championship and was grateful for the acclaim of the French audience.
“France has got a special place in my heart in terms of rugby,” commented Murray.
“I’ve got a lot of experience here, anytime I come here and play against the French they’re very welcoming and very accommodating.
“I know a few of the guys and they’re very good guys so it’s an honour.”
Other players to be honoured on the night were France centre Mathieu Bastareaud and the likes of Vincent Clerc, Conrad Smith, Aurélien Rougerie, Bryan Habana and Jean-Baptiste Poux, who were all inducted as Rugby Oscars ‘legends’.
Murray hasn’t yet played this season due to a neck injury but is nearing a return and has been training with Ireland during their autumn Test campaign.
Murray’s opposite number in Ireland’s 15-13 Paris win in February – Maxime Machenaud – is also hoping to return from injury soon, and the Irish scrum-half is already looking forward to a 2019 Six Nations battle.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play against him (Machenaud) a few times, I’ve met him a number of times too and he’s a great guy,” added Murray, who was shortlisted for the 2018 Player of the Championship award.
“He’s captained his club (Racing 92) for a number of seasons and he’s a leader.
“In the last three of four years he’s been a real dominant force in French rugby, speaking to him tonight he’s back soon like myself so I’m looking forward to getting on the battlefield against him!”
