Former Connacht scrum-half on fast track to become Test match referee

Great to see a former player getting involved in the refereeing game

Former Connacht scrum-half Frank Murphy has been promoted to the IRFU National Panel of referees. Murphy, who played 100 times for Connacht, will officiate his first Ulster Bank League game on Saturday, February 28. He retired from professional rugby at the end of last season having represented Munster, Leicester and Connacht during a 13 year professional career. Capped eight times for Ireland A, Murphy won a Premiership title with Leicester in 2007 and featured for the Tigers in the European Cup Final that same year. Murphy began his refereeing career almost immediately following his retirement. He will officiate the UBL Division 2B clash on Armagh and Bruff.   He said, 'Refereeing was initially a way of staying involved in the game. I'm enjoying it and still just trying to find my feet but it has been an enjoyable experience to date and will take each game as it comes.' The most famous Irish player-turned-ref is former Leinster scrum-half Alain Rolland. If that is the route Murphy wishes to pursue, a stint in the UBL is a perfect start. Former Women's international and grand slam winner, Joy Neville, has also been promoted to Inter Provincial Appointments System, according to the IRFU, of some very strong performances in Munster.