Conor Murray facts: 5 Things to Know About New Lions Captain

The Ireland playmakers appointment as the new tour captain comes from left field, with Gatland overlooking Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and Ken Owens as potential replacements for Jones.

In a position in which Gatland does not have great depth, Murray is also one of few players who seem assured of their Test spot, although he didn't particularly impress at Murrayfield yesterday.

Here are five Conor Murray facts you should know about the 32-year-old Ireland and Munster scrum-half.

Murray was born in Limerick, Ireland, where he attended St. Munchin's College and was part of the same Munster Schools Rugby Senior Cup squad as current Munster and Ireland colleague Keith Earls.

Munster scrum half Conor Murray is dating 2015 Miss Universe Ireland winner Joanna Cooper. She studied Journalism at Belfast University and now works as a model, on the books of Present Model Management and Studio Paris MGMT. The couple have cavapoo dog called Kevin.

Before becoming a professional rugby player, Murray played Gaelic football with Patrickswell and Limerick. He represented Limerick in the Sarsfield Cup and also played for Limerick in the primary football games

Pocock explained: “In 2005 on the Australian Schoolboys tour of UK and Ireland we were billeted out with families in Limerick. The family I was billeted with: the Murrays.

“I don’t think Conor or I were thinking we’d go on to face each other in test rugby.

“Great to catch up after the game.”

Conor Murray, full name Gerard Conor Murray, was born 20 April 1989 in Limerick, Ireland. He stands at 6ft 2in (1.88m) and weighs 14st 6lbs (93kg).