Conor Murray's fiancee Joanna Cooper 'so proud' of her 'inspiration' as he reaches 100 Ireland caps

Conor Murray's fiancee said she was 'so proud' of her husband-to-be after he won his 100th cap in Ireland's win over South Africa on Saturday.

The Munster man started for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, but was forced off due to a groin issue during the 19-16 victory.

His fiancee Joanna Cooper shared a series of messages online to praise Murray on reaching the milestone.

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One shared on her Instagram story read: "So proud of you."

She later posted: "My inspiration everyday & the hardest worker I know. Congratulations on 100 caps my love, you’re one of a kind."

Cooper joined Murray on the pitch after the match on Saturday, as did the 33-year-old rugby star's parents Barbara and Gerry.

Andy Farrell paid tribute to Murray ahead of Saturday's game, describing him as "a legend of Irish rugby".

The Ireland head coach said: “I am in awe of these people.

Conor Murray celebrates with his parents Barbara and Gerry and partner Joanna after the game (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

"It’s pretty special because we all know that to be able to get to that type of career, what it takes.

"Whether you are a coach or a player you see all the ups and downs and all the pressures that come in from all sorts of directions and you see everyone wants to move on to what they perceive to be the next best thing.

"Somebody who stands up to be counted time and time again, to get to a point like that, I’m in awe of it because the hardest thing is to stay at the top.

"Of course there are ups and downs but the biggest compliment I could pay Conor – he’s a legend of Irish rugby and his abilities are second to none – is that he is a top, top class bloke. I don’t know anyone who has a bad word to say about him.

"We are all obsessed with rugby but when it comes to how he has managed himself throughout his career- and there are big things still to come – he is classed as a fantastic human being by his peers.”

READ NEXT:

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• Andy Farrell praises Ireland's character after taking South Africa scalp

• Jimmy O'Brien admits he was "s****ing it" when coming on for Ireland

• Ireland player ratings as van der Flier shines against world champions

• Josh van der Flier plays down try scoring exploits as Ireland defeat South Africa

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