Ireland assistant coach Richie Murphy has stated that Scrum-half Conor Murray is quite “lucky” enough to be fit to play against Italy after being hold by the boot of England’s Mike Brown. Murphy had to go under 8 stitches across his left eye after Mike tried to kick the ball from his hands during their match earlier on Saturday. England won that match.
Richie Murphy stated that Conor has got a split right next to his eye, he has had 8 stitches but he is grand. He did not train today, but they are only looking after him.
Murray, who plays for Munster, toured with the British and Irish Lions in the year 2013, so we know he is made of hard stuff. Thankfully he now appears certain to be available for the 12th March Six Nations game against Italy.
Murphy said that he is a bit bumped up. He got a bit of treatment in the England game, so this is a case of looking after him. The incident footage was seen by the match officials, but the match commissioners decided not to take any action against Brown. It means Brown will be free to play in England’s next Six Nations match against Scotland (click here to see the latest ticket availability).
“Eddie Jones, the England coach stated that Mike had not done anything wrong. The referee adjudicated on it. It was fair. If the ball is on the ground then you are allowed to kick it” said Murphy.
Irish footballer Mike Ross also stated that Brown was entitled to hit the ball. If the ball is on the loose, players would try to get by any means. Players can always stick a foot through and kick it out. This is a part of the game. However, he added that whatever happened was a bit unfortunate.
