Ireland Rugby Social: Conor Murray picks the best XV he has played with in the latest BBC podcast.

During his distinguished playing career, former Ireland, Munster and British and Ireland Lions player Conor Murray played alongside some of the most legendary figures in the world of rugby union.

In a special edition of the BBC’s Irish Rugby social podcast, Murray picks the 15th best player from all the players he has lined up with during his 15 years of involvement in the sport at the highest level.

The 36-year-old has won 125 caps for Ireland, made 207 appearances for Munster and played eight Tests for the Lions across three tours in 2013, 2017 and 2021.

In his own position at scrum-half, Murray selected former Wales number nine Mike Phillips, one of three Welsh players in his XV.

Murray says he learned a lot from watching Phillips, “taking in as much information as he could” as part of the Lions’ squad in 2013.

Two English players have also been included in the selection, while the rest of the squad is made up of former Ireland teammates.

Murray explains in the podcast that he believes Sam Warburton deserves his place in the open side because of his performances and leadership abilities.

Warburton led the Lions to a series win over Australia in 2013 and a draw with New Zealand four years later.

The Welsh striker had natural leaders in Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell in the Lions when he took the reins on the 2013 tour when he was just 24 years old.

“To be honest, I would say it was difficult for him [to win everyone over at first]Murray said.

“You had Paulie [O’Connell] And Drico [O’Driscoll] And players who had been on Lions tours before and people naturally looked up to them. They didn’t have to earn people’s respect.

“They were looking at Sam as well, but he was a new young captain, young to be captain of the British and Irish Lions.”