CONOR MURRAY HAS been voted the World Player of the Year by readers of the renowned French publication Midi Olympique.
The Munster and Ireland scrum-half picked up the award at a ceremony in Paris on Monday as he continues to battle back from injury.
Murray has yet to play this season due to a neck issue, but the Ireland camp remain hopeful that he will return to fitness in time for their upcoming clash with the All Blacks on 17 November.
While Murray failed to make the shortlist for the World Rugby Player of the Year, he said that he was honoured to collect this award.
“It’s pretty special,” noted Murray, who played an integral role in Ireland’s Grand Slam success in 2018.
“I think with the relationship between Irish and French teams, especially in my club Munster. Our fans know it really well, they’ve travelled for years for really big games like quarter-finals and semi-finals.
[#OscarMidol]
— Midi Olympique (@midi_olympique) November 5, 2018
🇮🇪 @ConorMurray_9 reçoit l’Oscar Monde des mains de @JMBaylet « C’est un honneur ! »
« It’s an honor ! » @IrishRugby @Munsterrugby pic.twitter.com/7TCDEp5QXb
“While we’ve been on the wrong side of the scoreboard in the majority of them, it’s got a special place in my heart in terms of rugby. I’ve a lot of experience down here, any time I come here to play against the French players, they’re very welcoming and very accommodating.
“It’s an honour.”
Ireland’s Johnny Sexton has been nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year gong, and is part of a stellar shortlist which also includes All Blacks pair Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane and Springboks Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx.
The winner will be announced at the World Rugby Awards in Monte Carlo on 25 November, where Jordan Larmour will also be in the running for Breakthrough Player of the Year.
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Aldo’s loves talkin nonsense. Im 100% the next fight will be vs Halloway. Aldo prob holds the record in most pull outs and is p4p the biggest moaner in the UFC
Ariel Helwani tweeted that he fact checked everything Aldo said about UFC208 and the LW title shot in March after the interview and its 100% accurate.
At this stage the way everything is going in the UFC, why not. Probably Ferguson (if Khabib ducked Jose) and then McGregor II. Aldo to be the only man to get knocked out by the same man in 2 different weight class title fights? The interim title, if used properly, could be even better than the unfortunate “Number 1 contender” spot for the fighters, at least you have some guarantee you’ll get a title shot if you’re parading around with a belt.
What is it Conor says? “Losers focus on winners”
I’m fairly sure hundreds of people said that before Conor.
Yes. People have said words before.
Yea Brian, and people said “I’ll be back” before The Terminator did. Just because others have said a term doesn’t mean someone else can’t utter the phrase.
@Brian: Unfortunately Brian, Conor just tells it better. Because everyone can see it happening.
Well David the point wasn’t that nobody else can utter the phrase, the point was it wasn’t Conor who coined it. It was also recently made famous by LeBron James so if anything it’s his before Conors. I know the first comment went over your heard do I expect this one too.
*head
Aldo is now chasing Conor to save face. I never respected him when he was champ as he backed out of too many fights when the opponent was willing & ready. Many got beaten by a replacement never to be heard of again it’s how Pettis got to where is now… http://m.fightland.vice.com/blog/jose-aldo-a-history-of-pulling-out-of-title-fights. Conor should let him waste away after how he has gone on. Spoilt little runt
Think Holloway beat Aldo, and McGregor for that matter. Most improved fighter in the UFC, savage he is.
@Colin Foley: I disagree, I reckon Aldo would have his number. Holloway has looked great against the lower tier but Edgar, Mendes, Aldo and McGregor are at a different level to the fellas he’s beaten. Pettis is a decent enough win but the tough weight cut could’ve had a big impact on Pettis’ performance.
@DL: The lower tier??? Delusional!!! Holloway has basically cleared out that division bar Conor. Holloway would light Aldo up. His striking is on another level to Aldo
Mendes still the best on the ground for me and a match for anyone, would love to see a rematch between a properly prepped Mendes and McGregor
@Breandán Ó hEidhin: Yes, the lower tier. Edgar, Mendes, McGregor and Aldo are the elite of the division and he hasn’t beaten any of them. You’re the delusional one if you think Holloway’s striking is on another level to Aldo’s. Aldo has brilliant jiu jitsu and yet we never see it because of how good his striking is.
Simon basically they’re gunning for a huge Aldo v McGregor fight next year for both belts. Simples.
Such a farcical organisation. How did it make sense to give Also the belt without him having to fight somebody for it? Making it up as they go along