THE GEOR IS ALWAYS OPEN FOR YOUNG PLAYERS AT LEICESTER

GEORDAN MURPHY made his way in rugby by rising through the ranks at Leicester Tigers.

These days, the former Ireland star is determined to oversee a new generation of local players doing the same.

Murphy was still a teenager when he journeyed cross-channel and blossomed at Welford Road, remaining a loyal one-club man until he hung up his boots seven years ago.

Now established as the club’s head coach, the 41-year-old wants to see a conveyor belt of talent coming through again.

“Since I took over I have believed we need to bring Leicester Tigers players through,” Murphy said. “I think the academy does a great job, they have won three titles in a row.

“For a young man of 17 or 18 to play in the Tigers first team is tough and ideally you wouldn’t ever send out young kids without some armour around them and that’s what I’ve tried to do.

“I believe that’s what we are about. Guys who have come through our ranks know what we are about and they seem to give a little bit more.

“We have recruited well in and around that, with some great guys from overseas to bring that steel armour, but it is about balancing and growing.”

Leicester supporters have appreciated that Murphy has brought through a number of youngsters, but he’s aware of the need to mix and match with experienced pros.

“It is a tough one because you want to have the basis of a homegrown team.

“You want to add some really good guys around that and you want to grow people as well.

“But you also want results, so it is a balancing act.”