Conor Murray will 'happily stay' with Munster and Ireland if given the chance

Conor Murray says he doesn't have any plans to step away from international rugby just yet, with the scrum-half targeting a contract to remain in with Munster beyond this season.

The scrum-half's current IRFU central contract, which he agreed in December 2021, expires after this summer's Tour to South Africa.

With Jamison Gibson-Park having established himself as the first choice scrum-half for Ireland in recent seasons, Murray may have to move back to a provincial deal with Munster if he wishes to keep playing beyond the summer.

But either way, the 34-year-old says he has no intention of stepping back from Test rugby.

"As long as you are fit and able to contribute at this international level, then you want to be involved with the club and at Test level for as long as you can," he said.

"I feel great at the moment. I went back [with Munster] at the weekend and felt sharp and match fit.

"As long as they have you here I will happily stay."

Murray, who turns 35-years-old in April, says his desire to keep playing is inspired by his long-time half-back partner Johnny Sexton (below), who retired after the Rugby World Cup last year.

"Johnny was incredibly professional. His last game, he was 38 and he played 80 minutes against New Zealand and that shows you what can be done when you do the right things and you still have that drive.

"That sets the bar and the standard there. Thirty eight, it would be nice to reach that level. Who knows, but at the moment I feel good and really enjoying it.

"Recovery is one of the main things that I have upped the last few years. Just making sure your body is right for training. We are in a very high-demand physical environment and especially in games so just making sure you can turn up and perform like