Cash money.

Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray is set to be made Ireland’s highest paid rugby player according to the Limerick Leader, with the IRFU keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Murray’s current deal with the IRFU is worth a reported €550,000-a-season, leaving him just behind Johnny Sexton who’s on a reported €650,000-€700,000. Murray’s deal expires in September of 2019, with a number of top clubs in France said to be interested in luring him to the Top 14.

The 29-year-old is currently sidelined with a neck problem, but remains one of Ireland and Munster’s most important players. He’s widely regarded by most as the best nine in world rugby right now, and could potentially fetch a seven-figure deal abroad.

Best friend Simon Zebo left Munster for Racing 92 over the summer, and when asked whether he would follow suit back in January, Murray didn’t close the door.

“It is something I would think about,” Murray said.

“Playing abroad would be appealing and it would be a cultural, lifestyle change. It would be either London or France and there’s an attraction to both. The competitive side of me means that, if I moved, I’d have to go to a good team with ambitions.”

“There’s a lot to consider. Getting into the international set-up is great but the real mark is how long you last. Money? We’re not badly looked after here. It is a really nice decision, a privileged decision.”

Will Murray stay? We certainly hope so.

[Limerick Leader]