Murphy Brothers Set For First Senior Rugby Clash In Irish Derby Showdown
Murphy Brothers Set For First Senior Rugby Clash In Irish Derby Showdown
Ulster coach Richie Murphy is proud as his sons, Ben and Jack, prepare to face off in their first senior rugby match during Saturday's URC game in Galway.
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has expressed immense pride as his sons, Ben and Jack Murphy, prepare to potentially face off for the first time in senior rugby.
The United Rugby Championship match Saturday will see Ben's Connacht hosting Jack and their father’s Ulster side at the Sportsground in Galway.
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Ben Murphy, a 23-year-old scrum-half, has featured in eight matches for Connacht since joining from Leinster in the summer. Meanwhile, younger brother Jack, 20, made his senior debut for Ulster in last week’s narrow loss to Munster.
Reflecting on the milestone moment for his family, Richie Murphy said, “It’s more of a sideshow for my wife. She’s the one that has to deal with all three of us. I definitely don’t envy her position at the moment.”
Richie added that the family’s dynamic has shifted significantly over the past year.
“This time last year, the four of us were sitting in Bray: Ben was at Leinster, Jack was getting ready for the Irish [Under]-20s. Our whole lives have changed very quickly. But we’re very proud of the two lads - they work very hard at their craft.”
Richie, who became Ulster’s head coach earlier this year, acknowledged the unique challenges of coaching his son Jack, who left Leinster's academy to join Ulster.
“I’m probably more hard on him because he’s right here in front of my face," Richie Murphy said. "It’s difficult to pick your son at 20 years of age, but it’s also difficult for him because he’s been training really well and hadn’t been getting picked.”
Jack’s debut came in a dramatic encounter with Munster, during which he opted to kick to the corner, rather than attempt a penalty goal that might have secured a draw. Ulster ultimately lost 22-19, marking its fifth consecutive defeat.
Despite Ulster’s struggles - the team is 11th in the URC table, just below Connacht - Richie remains focused on nurturing young talent, including Jack and fellow up-and-coming fly-halves James Humphreys and Aidan Morgan.
Saturday’s game is crucial for both sides, each with only three wins in eight matches.
Connacht will aim to replicate its thrilling comeback victory from last season, while Ulster seeks a much-needed reversal of fortunes.
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