Murphy was sidelined for six months after suffering a broken leg, but three appearances for the Tigers confirmed that he had made a full recovery and Ireland coach Eddie OSullivan has shown no hesitation in pitching him straight back into the Test arena.

Italy at Lansdowne Road is the next item on Irelands RBS 6 Nations agenda and they will provide Murphy with the international comeback he knew was waiting for him when his injury heartache was over.

I always wanted to be back in action by the end of February and from then it was only going to be a matter of time before I was willing to rejoin the Ireland squad and tell Eddie I was ready to play, he said.

The medical supervision that Ive had has been fantastic. They reassured me that my leg will be fine and that I would be back to 100%. Ive even been told that the leg I broke is now stronger than the other one.

Obviously there were a few dark moments when I thought that Id been playing well and maybe I would never get back to that level, but they passed very quickly. Now I feel as fit and strong as ever.

Tyrone Howe is the victim of Murphys return to fitness - he has lost his place on the left wing in the only change to the side which defeated England.

My return was a tough call for Eddie to make after that fantastic win against England. None of the guys did anything wrong so it was very harsh to drop anyone. From that point of view I feel for Tyrone, said Murphy.

I have mixed emotions. Im delighted to be back in the team but at the same time a friend of mine has been dropped for me. I spoke to Tyrone and he was very supportive about it all.

He said had it been anyone else he would have been upset, but he was quite happy it was me. The last thing I said to him was I hope I dont let you down. Theres a big responsibility on my shoulders not to let him down.