Subsequently, the 12-times capped player sustained his impressive performances for the national side to make the Irish No.9 shirt his own and looks like the man set to fill the role at the 2013 RBS 6 Nations.

However, with competition for the scrum-half starting berth at a competitive high, the 23-year-old feels he can still learn from the senior players at Munster and Ireland to continue developing his game.

“If you stand still, someone is going to come from behind and leap over you and that can happen quickly,” Murray told the Irish Examiner.

“I listen to the coaches and especially with so many experienced players at Munster and Ireland, I ask them for advice because they know an awful lot.

“Every game (last season) wasn’t perfect. After many, you’d come off unhappy with certain things and they’re the things we’re working on now in pre-season.

"It has all happened quite quickly but it’s where I always wanted to be. Hopefully, I have a competitive streak in me that I want to be the best and start in teams and play in big games.

"I’ve had a year to get used to it so with all the retirements and players moving on I now have to take on more responsibility and be more of a leader."