Murphy cool on Blues job

FORMER Ireland star Geordan Murphy has distanced himself from taking over the Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.

Only last month the 39-year-old was understood to be the preferred candidate to replace Waspsbound coach Danny Wilson at the Arms Park in the summer.

More than 30 contenders applied for the vacant post, with those being whittled down and a three-man shortlist drawn up.

With the shortlisting and interview process completed, Leicester Tigers’ assistant boss Murphy emerged as the favourite to take over the region.

However, earlier this month Super Rugby winner Chris Boyd emerged as a shock possibility to fill the head coach role at the Blues.

But Boyd has been touted as a contender for the Wales head coach role after Warren Gatland departs in 2019, putting Murphy back in the frame for the Blues role.

He won 72 caps for Ireland and was member of the team that won the 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam, while also playing at full-back for the Lions in the final Test of the 2005 tour of New Zealand.

In all, Murphy made 316 appearances for the Tigers, scoring 657 points, winning the Premiership title no fewer than eight times with the club, captaining them on a number of occasions.

Coincidentally the Blues travel to Welford Road this weekend for an Anglo Welsh Cup clash and Murphy was quizzed about rumours linking him with a move to Wales in a Wednesday press conference to preview the game.

And the former player once dubbed the ‘George Best of rugby’ poured cold water on reports he’s ready to take over from Wilson in the summer.

“It’s always flattering to be associated with prestigious jobs,” said Murphy.

“I’m very happy here, I enjoy being at Tigers and I’m fully focused on us putting in a display this week we can be proud of.”