Dermot and Moya Murphy left Dublin 30 years ago - their son Phil this week returns this week as a French-based Canadian rugby star.

Perpignan No 8 Phil Murphy faces Leinster in the semi-final of the Heineken Cup at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

Murphy, born in Nova Scotia but educated as a teenager at Belfast's Methodist School, the tie presents a rare chance to see old friends such as Leinster's Leo Cullen, with whom he played for Ireland Schoolboys. Ironically, the pair played against Australian Schoolboy Manny Edmonds - a key player at Perpignan.

And it also offers him a chance to impress prospective employers. Murphy is likely to be replaced at Perpignan by All Black Scott Robertson next season.

"I've had talks with Munster recently," he said. "Nothing concrete has come of that, but this is my third season in the French championship and I won't mind finding another club there."

Murphy is aware how tough the Leinster match will be.

"Obviously Leinster are a huge challenge for us. They have very mobile forwards and their defence is extraordinary.

"My hope is that, if we beat them on Sunday, we'll have their fans behind us for the final.

"It'll be great playing against Leo at this level. It won't need me to tell our lads how good he is in the lineouts. He is a very tall lad who can jump really well."

Murphy has an Irish passport and has never forgotten his roots.

"I started off in Canada playing ice-hockey, but was too small. My parents sent me back for an Irish education at 16 years of age and that is where my rugby flourished."