[Getty Images]BBCFri, November 28, 2025 at 11:07 AM UTC·1 min readConor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.
Mike Phillips (scrum-half)
While giving former Ireland team-mate Jamison Gibson-Park an honourable mention, Murray said he learned a great deal from Wales legend Mike Phillips during their time together on the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He was class to watch, during his prime he was world-class. He had such big moments in games, like against Ireland in 2011 World Cup when he went down the blind-side and scored a crucial try," said Murray.
"He had many big moments for Wales and the Lions and then to play with him. I remember rooming with him on the Lions, I was so nervous because he was one of my heroes.
"He turned out to be a legend and we're still in touch to this day."
Johnny Sexton (fly-half)
Fellow Munster legend Ronan O'Gara got a prominent mention, but Murray's pick at 10 goes to the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year, alongside whom he helped steer Ireland to countless big wins.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"World-class, everyone knows that. His rugby brain is just off the charts...how he sees the game is another level to how any of us were thinking on the pitch. We relied so heavily on him.
"Very [demanding]. But that brought the best out of me and made me sharper mentally in terms of being aware and clued into situations in a game and what he's thinking.
"It doesn't always have to be verbal, it can be a look or a feeling of where he might be."
