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Conor Murray: Ireland scrum half signs new contract with Munster

Conor Murray crosses for Ireland in their Six Nations victory against Italy in Feb. 2018. Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has signed a contract extension with club side Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union that will ensure he stays in Ireland until the summer of 2022.

Murray, 29, signed off on the extension last month to lengthen his stay beyond the next World Cup, when his previous contract was due to expire.

The Limerick-born rugby star has been sidelined with a neck injury picked up in his country's final test match against Australia in June, but agreed the new deal at the beginning of September.

"I am delighted to have signed on with the IRFU until at least 2022," Murray said.

"Over the past few seasons I've enjoyed great days in the green of Ireland and the red of my home province Munster. I love playing here and look forward to making more life long memories in the next few years."

Murray has achieved significant success on the international stage, earning 67 caps for Ireland since his debut in Aug. 2011.

He represented his country at both the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and played a key role in the 2014, 2015 and 2018 Six Nations title wins, kicking a decisive penalty at Twickenham to ensure Ireland won the Grand Slam earlier this year.

As a two-time tourist for the British & Irish Lions he started every game of the drawn series against New Zealand in 2017 and drove Ireland to an impressive victory over the All Blacks in Chicago a year earlier.

He has played 116 games for Munster, amassing 142 points during his eight-year spell at the club.

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora said:

"Conor is a genuinely world class player and he has illustrated this through the consistent quality of the performances he delivers for both Ireland and Munster."

He has played a central role in driving the success that has been achieved at national level and we are delighted that he will continue to play his rugby in Ireland for at least the next three seasons."

Details of the neck problem that has kept Murray sidelined over the summer are being kept secret after he requested his club not reveal any details.

He is a doubt for Ireland's autumn internationals against Italy, Argentina, New Zealand and the USA.