Rugby:Geordan Murphy made a successful return to competitive action last night when he played 50 minutes for the Leicester Tigers in a friendly match against Montpellier. The Irish fullback is returning from a broken foot and ankle and showed no ill effects from his outing in France, a match Montpellier won 50-24.

Tigers’ Director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “Geordy had 50 minutes for the first time in several months and so did Mathew Tait. These guys have had long injuries so it is good to get them back on the pitch.”

Murphy’s return is good news for Ireland coach Declan Kidney as he prepares to finalise his squad for the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand. At this juncture the Tigers’ captain would have to play for Ireland in the return game against France at the Aviva stadium if he was to entertain realistic hopes of forcing his way onto the plane.