Conor Murray has said he only ever beat Johnny Sexton in an argument once (Image: Getty)
Conor Murray has lifted the lid on Johnny Sexton’s argumentative side as kick off their title defence against . The Munster man won the vast majority of his 121 Ireland caps with Sexton pulling the strings at fly-half – but the pair weren’t above bickering.
Sexton, who retired after the 2023 was widely known for his fiery temper and often showed it on the pitch. However, it wasn’t only the opposition who found themselves in his sights.
If anything, Murray’s close proximity to Sexton meant the scrum-half often found himself bearing the brunt of his outbursts. And it was often the former Leinster and Racing 92 playmaker who came out on top of those exchanges.
“I don’t miss him screaming at me,” said Murray during a recent appearance on For The Love of Rugby when asked what life was like without his old partner. “I think I’ve won one argument against Johnny in the hundreds we’ve had on the pitch. Literally one. And I had to be dead sure I was right. So, from that side of things, no. But he’s something else, him.”
Sexton, 39, may no longer be a playing member of the squad, but he has visited Ireland’s camp to help their fly-halves prepare ahead of the 2025 Six Nations. Murray’s Munster team-mate, Jack Crowley, picked up Sexton’s mantle to fire Andy Farrell’s team to another Six Nations crown last year, but Leinster gem Sam Prendergast has since usurped the No10 jersey.
Murray and Sexton both toured as British and Irish Lions in both 2013 and 2017, starting two Tests alongside one another on the latter trip to New Zealand. and for all their differences, scrum-half great Murray can’t help but admire Sexton’s competitive edge.
Murray earned the large majority of his 121 Ireland caps alongside Sexton (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“[We’re] great mates,” he continued. “He’s a legend and a legend of rugby. I think there’s pressure on the boys like Prendergast, Crowley, [Ciaran] Frawley and whoever else gets a chance. The public are going to be like, ‘Johnny would have done this, Johnny would have done that.’ Which is a big pressure on the shoulders of those boys, trying to be themselves.
“That’s where Andy is so good, and hopefully [interim coach] Simon [Easterby] will be, too, in terms of just letting the lads play their own game. Johnny was in with us over November and passed on a lot of knowledge. He gets involved with a few training sessions and still has that narkiness, giving out to lads. It doesn’t leave you!”
Ireland fans are hoping to new rivalry between Crowley and Prendergast will coax the best out of both players. And Sexton stands as proof that a little bit of bite – even to one’s team-mates – can lead to big results.