Murphy's form with Galwegians earned him a development contract with Connacht ahead of the 2012–13 season.
Before his first season with the province began Murphy suffered an injury, tearing cartilage in his knee.
[2] Before making his debut, Murphy had featured for the provinces's second tier developmental side, the Connacht Eagles, in the semi-professional British and Irish Cup.
[1] Murphy went on to make another six appearances for the senior side in the league campaign, all of these coming as starts.
[3] In April 2014, it was announced that Murphy was one of a number of plays who would not have their contracts renewed, and he would leave the province at the end of the season.