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Geordan Murphy in Heineken Cup action against Ulster last November ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
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Don't call it a comeback: Murphy vows to answer call

Geordan Murphy will postpone his international retirement until after the Six Nations

GEORDAN MURPHY HAS declared that he will be available, if required, during the forthcoming Six Nations championship.

The 72-times capped Murphy held talks with Declan Kidney on the matter and it was agreed that he will only be leaving Welford Road if a spate of injury hits the back three.

“I’m not looking at achieving a lot by holding a (tackle) bag for a week or two,” Murphy told the Irish Independent‘s David Kelly, “but if there are any injuries I’d be happy to come in and be part of a match-day 22 or 23.”

Murphy, 33, had been expected to retire after last autumn’s World Cup campaign, when an ankle ligament injury to Felix Jones forced Kidney to include him ahead of Luke Fitzgerald.

With Jones still on the comeback trail, Rob Kearney is the only specialist full back available to the Ireland coach and the experience which Murphy could bring to the table would no doubt be invaluable.

The Leicester Tigers captain last appearance for Ireland was as second half replacement against Russia in Rotorua. So, barring a knock to Kearney, it remains uncertain that we will see Murphy in an Ireland shirt again.

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