25-05-2025
Conor Murray makes surprise cameo appearance at Champions Cup final as fans hail ‘class touch'
CONOR Murray made a surprise appearance at the Champions Cup final to present Damian Penaud with the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy.
Penaud was an apt recipient after scoring two tries in Bordeaux-Begles' 28-20 victory over
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Cian Tracey of the Irish Independent drew attention to the nice moment post-match
Credit: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
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The French side were the superior side throughout though their opposition were remarkably resilient in defence
Credit: Getty
The award has been given out as an additional gong to the Champions Cup Player of the Year each year since 2017 when it was created by the EPCR in memory of the Munster legend who
France hero Penaud's two took him to 14 in the competition, with Adam Coleman also crossing for the Top 14 side in a first half that ended 20 points apiece.
The nice moment between Penaud and Murray was captured by INPHO photographer Billy Strickland and praised by rugby journalist Cian Tracey.
He tweeted: "Conor Murray presented European player of the year Damian Penaud with the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy. Nice touch."
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Among the replies, JJ Casey hailed it as a "class" moment of the community values rugby prides itself on.
In saying that though, there was a bit of friction post-game as Henry Pollock was at the centre of a storm with rival players.
The Lion bolter was clearly steaming at some of the French side's antics during a ding-dong decider and tempers spilled over after the final whistle.
Bordeaux travelling reserve Tevita Tatafu was seen grabbing the Englishman by the throat and Saints skipper Fraser Dingwall accused them of acting against the spirit of the game.
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Pollock's England teammate Fin Smith confirmed: 'They were after him. I don't think they liked him. They all sort of charged at him and tried to get hold of him.
'I'm surprised if you have just won a European Cup and the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.'
Ireland rugby legend Conor Murray and wife Joanna Cooper play VR
Back row Pollock had a running battle with the French and Northampton are ready to take things further if officials do not take action.
Boss Phil Dowson said: 'There was a fracas at the end, there was foul play involved and I have been assured the touch judge has seen it and will deal with it appropriately.
'Henry was particularly upset because it was uncalled for and out of order and so he reacted. The officials have told me they will deal with it.'
Saints' George Furbank ended up on the deck early on after challenging Penaud in the air and then copped a knee on the jaw from Romain Beros as he was getting up.
The English side lost him there and then and were then undone by the brilliance of Penaud and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert as the first half wore on.
But a pair of tries from Alex Coles at either end of the half meant Saints were right in it and the 20-20 interval score was a points record for that stage of a Champions Cup final.
Dowson's men were briefly down to 13 men with yellow cards for Leinster's semi-final tormentor Tommy Freeman and Ed Prowse.
But they had two scores disallowed before Cazeaux got the only try of the second half to seal victory and keep the cup in France for a fifth straight year.
Bordeaux's win meant a second Champions Cup medal for former Leinster and Munster star Joey Carbery, 29, though he was not involved in the matchday squad.
SCORERS — Bordeaux: Tries: Penaud 2, Coleman, Cazeaux; Con: Jalibert; Pens: Jalibert, Lucu. Northampton: Tries: Coles 2; Cons: Smith 2; Pens: Smith 2.
