Sir Clive Woodward will lead the trip to New Zealand and speculation has been rife that he will try and persuade his former England captain to join him.

However, Murphy told The Mail on Sunday: Ive spoken to Martin about it and hes said definitely he wouldnt do it, he wouldnt play for the Lions even if selected.

He said he wasnt putting himself out this year, he wasnt playing international rugby, so he wasnt playing for the Lions.

Neil Back is another ex-England forward to have been linked with the Lions but Murphy feels he will also resist the temptation to return to the international arena.

I wouldnt be too sure about Neil, either, said Backs fellow Tigers star Murphy.

I think theyre just going to wind down in their last season.