Jonny Murphy

Jonny Murphy (born 6 February 1992) is a former professional rugby union player from Northern Ireland, who played hooker for Ulster (2015-17), Rotherham Titans (2017-18) and Connacht (2018-22).

Early life Murphy was born in Belfast in 1992. He attended Banbridge High School in County Down, and played rugby with Banbridge RFC. He won the Youth Player of the Year award in the 2010 Ulster Rugby Awards. Murphy played with Banbridge until 2013, when he joined Division 1A side Ballynahinch, another Ulster club.

Rugby career Ulster Murphy was involved with Ulster at under-age level. He was identified at the age of 16 and added to a Regional Development Squad.

Murphy signed to an Ulster academy contract for the 2011–12 season. During his time in the academy he played for the province's second tier side, the Ulster Ravens, playing twice in the 2013–14 British and Irish Cup. He spent four years in the academy, before signing a senior development contract ahead of the 2015–16 season. Murphy made his senior debut for Ulster against Scarlets in the Pro12 on 21 February 2016. He made his final Ulster appearance on 10 February 2017, when he played against Edinburgh.

Rotherham Titans In May 2018, it was announced that Murphy had joined Rotherham Titans for the 2017–18 season. He also played five times in the 2017–18 British and Irish Cup, scoring two tries.

Connacht It was announced in May 2018 that Murphy had signed for Connacht. He joined the side ahead of the 2018–19 season.

International Murphy has represented Ireland internationally at under-age level. He was part of the Irish under-18 club side in 2009 and 2010. In May 2011, Murphy was named in Mike Ruddock's Ireland under-20 squad for the upcoming Junior World Cup. He made his sole appearance for the side on 26 June 2011, when he came on as a replacement against Wales.