Josh Murphy

Josh Murphy is a back-row forward who joined Connacht Rugby ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, bringing a hard edge and a high work rate to the western province's pack. Born on 17 February 1995, he has built his game around relentless effort at the breakdown and a willingness to put his body on the line in defence. Murphy is the sort of flanker coaches lean on for the unseen graft - hitting rucks, making his tackles and carrying strongly into contact to win the gain line. His arrival added depth and competition to the Connacht loose forwards, where he provides a robust, abrasive option capable of disrupting opposition possession. While his time at the Sportsground is still in its relatively early chapters, his role is clearly defined: bring physicality, compete for every metre and offer the kind of dependable, no-frills performance that underpins a forward pack. As he continues to settle into the squad, his consistency and engine make him a useful presence in the rotation.