Murphy has been nominated as RFU junior vice president for the 2010-11 season, a post that leads to him being installed as president in 2012.
His recommendation was approved by the RFU council on April 16 and goes to their AGM on July 4.
Oxfordshire’s only previous RFU president was Geoffrey Butler in 1963-64, while Murphy took over from Stanley Oswin as Oxon’s RFU representative in 1995, Murphy said: “It is a great personal honour to be recommended, but also an honour for Oxfordshire and my club Abingdon.
“Over many years I have received fantastic support from the clubs in Oxfordshire, the county committee, my employer Unipart Automotive, and of course, my family.
“I look forward to operating in a presidential team with Richard Appleby and Willie Wildash, bringing my experience to join their own in leading and representing the RFU and game in England.”
Murphy’s recommendation states: “His six years service on the management board together with his unstinting contribution during 15 years on council across a wide range of sectors within the game makes him an exceptional candidate who clearly satisfies the criteria.”
Abingdon RFC chairman Stephen Akid said: “The club are very proud of Paul’s achievement. It is well deserved recognition for his hard work for the game both locally and nationally”
Colin Baldwin, Oxfordshire RFU president and chairman, said “It is a worthy acknowledgement of Paul’s hard work for the game over many years.
“The county congratulate him in becoming junior vice president.”
Murphy will become RFU senior vice president in 2011-12 before taking up the top post in a season, which includes the 2012 Olympics in London.
Get your Abingdon RUFC Writstband either from behind the bar of from the Under 15's. All proceeds to the Under 15's Tour 2012. 
