Conor Murray Reveals Who Came Up With The Heartwarming Axel 8 Tribute

One of the greatest moments we have ever witnessed in sport.

The day Ireland took on the All Blacks in Chicago marked the first time the men in green took to the field following the tragic passing of the late, great Anthony Foley. The former Munster and Ireland legend was tragically found dead on the eve of his province’s Champions Cup tie with Racing 92.

We did realise what we were about to witness on that day, as Ireland went on to record a first ever win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, but before any rugby was played, we knew we were in for something very special.

As the All Blacks lined out to lay down the challenge with their world famous Haka, Ireland laid down a a tribute marker in response. The entire team lined out in a figure of eight, in one of the most spine-tingling moments ever witness on a rugby field.

In a moving interview with The Guardian, Conor Murray has now revealed just who came up with the idea for the tribute, and it wad none other than their captain and leader, Rory Best. He also reveals who decided the Munster men should front the tribute.

“It was a big moment. At first the crowd didn’t know what it was but, slowly, you could hear recognition spreading through them.

“Johnny Sexton and Joe Schmidt had said: ‘Let’s get the Munster lads at the front of the connection.’

“I was at one front with CJ Stander at the other. I didn’t have anyone around me and I was looking at the haka and going, ‘Aaargh! You’re on your own here.’

“But you could sense the crowd feeling it. It gave us a big lift right just before we went out and laid it all on the line. It pushed us even further.

A truly special moment, followed up by a memorable victory. One we will never forget.