Murray starts for Ireland despite father in coma after road accident

Veteran scrumhalf Conor Murray will start for Ireland in a Six Nations clash with titleholders France on Saturday despite his father being in an induced coma in hospital following a road accident.

There had been a doubt about Murray's availability due to his father's condition but the 33-year-old will win his 102nd cap and line up alongside long-time halfback partner and Ireland captain Johnny Sexton.

Gerry Murray suffered head injuries when his bike collided with a lorry on Tuesday near Limerick, according to reports in The Irish Times and Irish Independent.

"He has head injuries, they are hoping the induced coma will keep him steady," a source told The Irish Times.

An Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) spokesperson said: "The squad's thoughts and best wishes are with Gerry and the Murray family."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell had preferred at his press conference earlier on Thursday not to elaborate on why Murray had been considered a doubt for the match.

"[Murray is in] good spirits. For personal reasons I'd like to keep that as it is."

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Farrell was forced to make just the one change to the starting line-up that impressed in the 34-10 victory over Wales last Saturday.

Rob Herring comes in at hooker for Dan Sheehan, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Ronan Kelleher has recovered from a similar injury and will fill the hooker spot on the replacement bench.

"I might sound like a broken record but this is exactly what will happen down the road in the World Cup," Farrell said of losing players.

"We will have a small squad and a 12 days turnaround, rightly so, for concussion.

"We will be numbers down but you have go with the punches.

"I am