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Richie Murphy
Meet the speaker

Richie Murphy .

Ulster Rugby & Irish Rugby Coach

Current head coach of Ulster Rugby and former Ireland U20 head coach, known for his leadership and player development.

The story

Biography

Irish Rugby Coach Richie Murphy is a highly experienced and respected rugby coach, currently serving as the Head Coach of Ulster Rugby. He has a rich background in both playing and coaching rugby, which has significantly contributed to his expertise and success in the sport.

Early Career:

  • Playing Career: Richie Murphy played as a fly-half for several clubs, including Greystones, Clontarf, Carlow, and Old Belvedere, as well as representing Leinster. He was known for his skills as a goal-kicker and game manager, which laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy.
  • Transition to Coaching: Following a knee injury that curtailed his playing career, Murphy transitioned into coaching. He began working with the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) in development and academy roles before moving into more senior coaching positions​.

Coaching Achievements:

  • Leinster Rugby: Murphy started his professional coaching career with Leinster as a Backs/Attack coach. He played a pivotal role in Leinster’s success, contributing to multiple Heineken Cup titles and PRO12 championships.
  • Ireland National Team: In 2013, Murphy joined the Ireland national team as a Backs/Attack and Skills Coach. His tenure saw Ireland achieve notable successes, including Six Nations Championships in 2013 and 2014, a Grand Slam in 2018, and historic victories over New Zealand and South Africa.
  • Ireland U20s: In 2021, Murphy was appointed Head Coach of the Ireland Under-20 team. Under his leadership, the team won back-to-back Grand Slams in the U20 Six Nations and reached the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship​.

To book Irish Rugby Coach Richie Murphy for your event, contact Front Row Speakers on +353 1 485 3991 or email welcome@frontrowspeakers.com.

The conversation

Speaking topics

Building Long Term High Performing Teams: Murphy shares his strategies for creating and sustaining successful teams over the long term, drawing from his experiences with Leinster and the Irish national teams.

Lessons in Leadership: He discusses the essential qualities of effective leadership and how to inspire and manage a team in high-pressure environments.

Creating a Strong Culture and Identity: Murphy emphasizes the importance of developing a strong team culture and identity, which are crucial for achieving consistent performance.

Learning from Failure and Building Resilience: He offers insights into how teams and individuals can learn from setbacks and build resilience, a key component of sustained success in competitive sports.

Being the Best Leader, Coach, and Manager: Murphy provides practical advice on how to excel in leadership roles, coaching, and management, sharing lessons from his extensive coaching career.

Personal Development: He covers the importance of continuous personal growth and development, both for players and coaches, to maintain high standards and achieve excellence​.

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