Leeds Career

Proud Yorkshireman Chris Murphy was born in Beverley and grew up in Hull, where his love for the game quickly became apparent. As a pupil at the famed Hymers he developed an early talent and went on to represent England Schools, as well as England Colts, England Students - he studied at Northumbria University - England Under 21's and the country's A team. Despite the 13-man code being dominant in Hull, Murphy never found himself edging towards a career in that game. He originally joined Leeds, upon the club's promotion to the Zurich Premiership in 2001 and was a key component in the club's ability to survive and prosper in the elite competition in the first two seasons. He and brother Phil became the first pair of brothers to ever play in the same Leeds side when they lined up in the second row together for the first time at Newcastle on 21st October 2001. Chris returned to the Tykes for the 2004-2005 campaign after a season playing in France for Pau in 2003-2004. That season Chris made 10 starts and 7 appearances at substitute, he scored his only try of the campaign against Padova in the European Shield competition. In total he made 66 starts for the Tykes in his two spells with a further 24 appearances off the bench. In total he scored seven tries for the club including three last season alone.

Rugby Career

Chris made his top flight debut with West Hartlepool at the age of 18 and he continued to play at the highest level with Sale, Rotherham, Leeds and Pau in the French Championship. Chris played for Rotherham in 2000-2001 after spending three seasons at Sale and West Hartlepool. He also played for England at U18 and U21 level before appearing for England A in the 1995-96 season.

Personal Details

Away from rugby Chris is an avid fan of his home town football club, Hull City, and when he first signed for Leeds he played alongside his younger brother Phil, who has subsequently moved onto Worcester for the 2004-2005 season.
Chris has a degree in Urban Property Surveying from Northumbria University and would have followed a career as a surveyor if he had not become a professional player. He rates his younger brother Phil as his best mate in the game and his favorite film is Shawshank Redemption. He plays tennis, golf and football to relax and his sporting hero is Croatian tennis star Goran Ivanisevic.