‘We’ve lost a huge asset’
CONOR Murray has revealed Simon Zebo’s shock decision to quit Munster for a stint in the French Top14 left him upset when he found out last Sunday night. Twenty-four hours earlier, the pair had played a positive part in the province’s Champions Cup win over Racing at Thomond Park. However, a phone call to Limerick from Cork-based Zebo blindsided Murray, his pal affording him a friendly heads-up before the news would be made public on Monday. ‘Selfishly I was upset, but not with him,’ said Murray. ‘You have to be honest: he’s looking at securing his family’s future a little bit more. He’s a massively proud Corkman, loves Munster and Ireland. It wasn’t an easy decision. ‘I just said: “Congrats, asked him when he was going over, blah, blah, blah.” Later on, then it was quite upsetting. This was one of my best mates. ‘We have great memories together through rugby, massive days out, big wins. He’s a massive asset to Munster and Irish rugby, a really good player. ‘As a person and as a player he will be hugely missed.’ Of course, 27-year-old Zebo will now be denied the buzz of representing his country, something that Murray (28) couldn’t resist when renewing his IRFU central contract in January 2016 through to the end of the 2019 World Cup. The generous terms agreed by the scrumhalf would have differed from Zebo’s, who was only ever on a provincial deal with lesser remuneration. Hence, this week’s swoop by Parisan club Racing. ‘It’s a big decision, isn’t it? It’s a reality as well. It’s a short career. You have got to look at that side of things too. But to be denied playing for your country is a big deal.’