Far from finished: Geordan Murphy
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Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy is close to agreeing a new three-year contract with Leicester as he plots his route to the World Cup.
The Guinness Premiership club's decision to offer their captain, who will be 32 in April, such a lengthy deal represents a major vote of confidence.
The negotiations have coincided with his return to the Ireland team after missing nearly a year of Test duty because of a dislocated shoulder.
A further lift has been provided by coach Declan Kidney's decision to retain him for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales at Croke Park, leaving Rob Kearney - now restored to full fitness - on the bench.
Murphy believes his playing style will enable him to prolong his career at the highest level and he is determined to be involved in next year's World Cup in New Zealand.
"Leicester have offered me a three-year deal after this season and I'm talking about that with them at the moment," he said.
"They want me to keep going but only time will tell how long I'll be able to play for.
"It's a good offer and the club were happy to put it on the table. I'm just trying to iron out the details.
"I'm 31 now, so the new contract would take me to 35. The way I play the game helps. I've never been a big-bosh monster.
"I don't run into people and don't try to make any massive hits. I just try to get by with what I've been given. I'm playing well and enjoying my rugby.
"I missed my first World Cup (in 2003) through injury and in the last one I didn't see a lot of game time.
"I certainly want to be involved in the next one. I'll do whatever I can to get to that World Cup.
"Hopefully I'll be good enough to go, whether that's as a squad player or a starter. I feel like I'm good enough."
Murphy, who endured a mixed relationship with Kidney's predecessor Eddie O'Sullivan, was concerned for his Test future when he underwent a shoulder reconstruction last September.
Reassurance was provided by the new regime but having seen off the challenge for the number 15 jersey from former long-term rival Girvan Dempsey, Murphy knows he now faces a similar duel with fellow Lion Kearney.
"The management have been very good to me. When you get injured you worry about your place - you wonder is that me finished?" he said.
"But the management phoned me and said that wouldn't be the case.
"They said I'd be given the chance again and that came sooner with Rob getting injured.
"Rob is world class player and I give full credit to him for everything he's done in the last few years.
"And there's more to come from him - he can get better. Hopefully the rivalry will be good for each other."
Whoever becomes Kidney's first choice in the position, they are unlikely to eclipse the achievements of Brian O'Driscoll who wins his 100th cap for Ireland on Saturday.
O'Driscoll is routinely hailed as the complete centre, a player who blends a rare mix of courage and durability with outrageous natural talent.
As his long-term friend and team-mate, Murphy knows the traumatising effect he has on opposition defences.
"I've played with Brian for many years and we all know he's world class. Every team in the world fears and respects him," he said.
"They all worry about him and as a result he makes space for players around him. He's a good guy with it, as well.
"It's unbelievable that he has such stature in world rugby at a relatively young age. And thankfully his speeches have got a lot better."
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