He was selected in Ireland's 24-man squad for the 2012 Six Nations Championship. He made his Six Nations debut when he started for Ireland in their opening match against Wales on 5 February 2012, a game which Ireland lost 23–21. A knee injury sustained in the Test against France on 4 March 2012 ruled Murray out for the remainder of the 2012 Six Nations, as the injury required a recovery period of 3–4 weeks. Murray retained the Ireland number 9 jersey for the first test against New Zealand on 9 June 2012. He also started the second test against New Zealand a week later and, during the game, scored his first try for Ireland. Murray started the third test, which Ireland lost 60–0, their heaviest ever defeat.