The 26-year-old hopes his return to Ireland after two years at Welford Road will help boost his international prospects.

Murphy broke into the Ireland A squad at last year's Churchill Cup and won international honours at Under-21 and schools level.

He has made a total of 46 appearances for Leicester and Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly said: "With Frank, Conor O'Loughlin and Kieran Campbell, we should have great competition for the scrum-half berth and the ability to vary our game to all conditions and opposition."

Connacht's main sponsors, Bank of Ireland, have extended their contract with the province for another three years.