Jordi Murphy, the former Ireland, Leinster and Ulster rugby player, is now a player agent at Navy Blue Sports, navyblue.ie. Ireland play Wales on Saturday at Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m a bit of both. As a player, at the beginning of my career certainly, I was a spender. I was young, and becoming a professional felt like it happened overnight. I went from the Academy wage, which was €4,000 a year, to considerably more in a very short space of time. A few years into my career, in 2016, I suffered a career-threatening injury, which probably put everything into perspective. I then became acutely aware of how short a rugby career can be. I try to strike a balance now – spending on experiences and things I value while making sure I’m planning for the future.
What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid?
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The first was with my schoolfriend Ricardo for “bouncing” at the door of one of my parents’ friend’s drinks parties. I think we got €50 for standing there and greeting people. Not much trouble that night!
Do you shop around for better value?
It depends. On big purchases like cars or a home, of course, but on certain things such as food and clothes, all I look for is quality. I’m happy to pay a premium for things like that.
What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
I’m not sure if it’s considered my most extravagant – maybe reckless! I bought a LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers signed jersey from the 2015/16 season when they won the NBA Championships. It cost €2,500, and I think it’s in the attic.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
My coffee machine. It’s a Rocket Espresso Appartamento that I bought from an Irish company called 010.ie. I use it about three times a day. It’s my pride and joy.
Is there anything you regret spending money on?
Probably that LeBron jersey, or maybe a watch or two that are sitting in a drawer somewhere.
Do you haggle over prices?
I would on major buys. Day-to-day things, no.
Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency?
Yes to shares, as all the advice I’ve ever been given is that it beats your money sitting in a bank. I have a very small amount in crypto, nothing major. I missed out on the bitcoin surge, so here’s hoping for another coin to follow suit!
Do you have a retirement or pension plan?
I’ve had a pension plan since I was 21, believe it or not, spurred on by good advice my former agent and now colleague, Niall Woods, gave me. Niall’s role as a pro rugby agent was to negotiate my player contracts, but since day dot, he’s always helped me – and all the other talent he represents – to plan for the future and figure out what plan B looks like when your rugby career is over. This included assistance in making sure I had the best financial advice early doors, and hence his encouragement to start a pension. I’m glad I started it now.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Golf clubs, and yes. I believe they are good value. Mind you, if you watched me play golf, you might disagree.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes. After my knee injury in 2016, I began saving seriously for a home and, in June 2018, I purchased my first home. It was the best thing I ever did.
Have you ever lost money?
I’ve lost a wallet or two back in the cash-carrying days, but nothing that’s left me scarred.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?
No, and no. Even with fun bets on the golf course, I never seem to win.
If you had €50 to back a team in the Six Nations, who would it be and why?
Ireland for the three-peat!
What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst?
The best thing is that I’ve become good at planning for the month and year money-wise. That was something I needed to get good at quickly when my rugby career ended and the salary dropped. The worst? That would be the takeaways. I dread to look back on my Deliveroo history.
How much money do you have on you now?
None. I live in a contactless world now. Hopefully, that won’t come back to haunt me.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
