This might be the definition of ‘not holding back’
In his newly released autobiography Cloud Nine, Conor Murray delivers a hard-hitting critique of Munster Rugby, accusing the province’s leadership of repeated failings in recruitment, ambition, and player support.
The 34-year-old scrum-half, who was part of Ireland’s golden era and toured with the British & Irish Lions, reflects candidly on his frustration with Munster’s inability to reach the pinnacle of European rugby, blaming what he sees as a lack of investment in elite talent and a disjointed vision.
“I would argue that we were let down by recruitment decisions over the years,” he writes. “Munster’s recruitment policy hasn’t been near good enough in my time… You just won’t get away with it in Europe if you don’t pack your squad with really formidable, world-class operators.”
“Travelling on the cheap” and coaching turmoil
Murray also highlighted how budget restrictions affected day-to-day operations, pointing to a humiliating defeat to Zebre as a symptom of poor planning.
“The penny pinching has been going on for years at Munster… It’s not the way a professional team should be travelling,” he says, recalling a grueling travel schedule before the Parma fixture.
The veteran also criticised former head coach Graham Rowntree, describing a breakdown in communication and lack of respect toward senior players.
“I didn’t rate him at all… I won’t be two-faced here and say I was sorry to see him go. In all honesty, I wasn’t.”
Looking back on his 15-year stint at Munster, Murray believes constant turnover at the top did lasting damage.
“The lack of continuity speaks for itself… That’s no way to build a successful organisation. It’s too unstable. You end up without an identity as a team.”
