Conor Murray coy on next step but 'lifestyle change' awaits

Conor Murray remained coy on his post-Munster future but hinted that he will play one more season in a new environment "for his family".

The Ireland scrum-half today announced that he will retire from international rugby after the Guinness Six Nations and finish his Munster career at the end of the season.

Unlike forwards Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy, who also announced their retirements, Murray will go for one more year with a new club.

Moves to France, Japan or USA are among his options.

"Nothing! We'll see," he told RTÉ Sport when asked what he could reveal about the next step.

"In terms of playing, play another year somewhere, for my family, they've been incredible.

"My wife Joanna, my son Alfie, especially Joanna over the last few years and the sacrifices she's made.

"So, as a family go away and maybe do something for a year and enjoy ourselves for a lifestyle change.

"Body-wise, I still feel great. I still feel I can play rugby at a high level.

"Nothing is set in stone yet, but I think that would be nice for us to let the dust settle on retiring in this country and go away and have an experience and come back to the real world then."

The 35-year-old Limerick man (above) made his professional debut in 2010 and has played 199 times for Munster, 123 times for Ireland and eight times for the Lions.

Saturday week’s game against France, billed as a title decider, is set to be his final home game.

"A very difficult decision, particularly to leave a group like this," he said about his decision to call time on his Test career.

"I think what I'll be most jealous of is this group will continue on and be successful, but personally it's a hard decision to make.

"You make it over a long period of time and it's been in my head for a while,