British & Irish Lions scrum-half Conor Murray believes teammate Paul O’Connell will want to end his career on a high but is not expecting the Lions captain to hang up his boots just yet.
A veteran of three Lions tours, including the 2-1 series victory over Australia in 2013, O’Connell also skippered the Lions in South Africa in 2009.
Despite speculation over when the 35-year-old will decide to retire, Munster colleague Murray is hoping the Ireland legend will see out the rest of his contract at the club.
And with Munster still firmly in contention for glory this year, Murray, who was also part of the triumphant 2013 tour, insists O’Connell remains an integral part of his side’s chances.
“You wouldn’t like to see a player like him start to dip in performances and sort of mellow out, to go out on a low,” said Murray.
“He’s definitely the type of player that would like to go out on a high.
“Personally, I think he could continue for at least another year and go on but it’s really himself that feels that, he knows his body better than anyone else so it’s up to him.
“The most important thing is going out on a high, I know he’s the type of player that wouldn’t like to plateau and hang on in there, he is the type of player that wants to contribute as much as he can to a team.”
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