I 'lived the dream' - Conor Murray prepares to step away

Conor Murray says he has "lived the dream" as he prepares to move on to the next chapter of his rugby career.

The scrum-half has Ireland and Munster business to attend to first but was able to reflect on his journey to date soon after announcing yesterday that Saturday week's Guinness Six Nations match against France will be his final home international.

Murray played for St Munchin's College in Limerick as a schoolboy and made his Munster debut in April 2010.

Later the following year he was called up to the Ireland squad under Declan Kidney to play at the World Cup in New Zealand.

"I came in off the pitch (yesterday) and announced it so my phone had a few messages and one of my good mates said, 'you lived the dream', and I really have," said the 35-year-old after Ireland training at Aviva Stadium yesterday.

"I feel really proud that I've been part of this team over the years and the coaches and the success we've had, I had the best days of my life in a green jersey."

Murray, alongside Peter O’Mahony and Cian Healy, who also announced they will retire at the end of the season, won five Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams.

He has 123 Irish caps and played eight Tests for the Lions.

His next club game will be his 200th with Munster, and he will play another season abroad at a yet-to-be-determined team.

"To be honest, I was 22 and I got called into the training squad," he recalled of his first taste of senior camp.

"I remember Deccie calling me in and telling me it would be a great experience for me down the line, that I might be back involved. I was just taking it all in, all these new experiences.

"I wasn't thinking about the bigger picture, I was just enjoying every new experience.

"Driving into Carton House and seeing Rob