With Martin Corry and then Aaron Mauger sidelined, Cockerill entrusted the captain’s role to full-back Murphy and saw him lead the team to within 80 minutes of a league and European double.
“Geordan played exceptionally well and the captaincy suited him,” said Cockerill.
“He took it on his shoulders to lead by example even more than he does normally.
“He is well respected and, when he talks about the game, people listen because it is something important.
“Geordan is very down to earth but he is a world-class player. He leads by example and the captaincy has made him play even better.
“His honesty around the team has been massively important to me and the other coaches. He is a good, honest guy and he has been with us 11 years. He might be an Irishman but he is a Leicester man too.”
While Murphy collected the man-of-the-match honours after the 10-9 win over London Irish in the Guinness Premiership Final, he stood aside to allow club captain Corry to lift the silverware and said: “Cozza has given everything for Leicester for 13 years. He is tremendous captain and a tremendous bloke. It was a fitting send-off to him in terms of the Guinness Premiership.”
