Alan Quinlan believes Jordi Murphy’s move to Ulster Rugby next season is down to competition in the Leinster squad. Murphy, who is currently playing with Leinster makes a permanent move to Kingspan Stadium next season, after six years with the Dublin based outfit.
The former Muster back row joined this morning’s OTB AM and believes there are a number of issues Murphy would have considered. Quinlan says competition in back row positions may have been the decisive factor for Murphy’s decision to make the move to Ulster.
“Jordi will have looked at competition in Leinster and where he’s at. You think; 12 months ago he was starting against the All Blacks, the competition there with Van Der Flier, and Leavy coming on the scene as well. So, there’s three top quality open-sides there already. “
Murphy hasn’t been a regular starter for the province since injuring his cruciate ligament in Ireland’s first victory against New Zealand, last year. Quinlan believes Leinster head coach Leo Cullen will be disappointed that the 26-year-old is leaving the province, but believes the decision is a brave one.
"It’s a brave one. Sometimes guys stay and say: ‘I’ll give it another year. I’ll give it another year,’ and suddenly things haven’t changed. I’m sure Leo Cullen would loved to of had him."
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