Blair Murray (born 9 October 2001) is a professional rugby union player who plays for United Rugby Championship side Scarlets in Wales. Born in New Zealand, he represents Wales on ancestral grounds.[2]

Blair Murray
Date of birth (2001-10-09) 9 October 2001 (age 23)[1]
Height173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Weight75 kg (165 lb)
SchoolNew Plymouth Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fly-half
Wing
Full-back
Current team Scarlets
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022–2023 Canterbury 8 (35)
2024– Scarlets 6 (10)
Correct as of 28 October 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2024– Wales 1 (5)
Correct as of 10 November 2024

Early life

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He attended New Plymouth Boys' High School and played for New Zealand Schools.[3]

Club career

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Canterbury

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He is capable of playing at fly-half or across the back line at wing or full-back.[4] Between 2021 and 2023, he played for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship.[5]

Scarlets

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He signed for Welsh side Scarlets of the United Rugby Championship in June 2024.[6] Murray made his debut for the Scarlets on 7 September 2024 in a pre-season friendly against Leicester Tigers.[7] His competitive debut came on 21 September, in the opening round against Benetton, nearly scoring on his first appearance.[8] His first try came on 18 October 2024, in a win over the Bulls, and scored again the following week against Zebre Parma.[9][10]

International career

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He was called-up to the Wales national rugby union team for the first time in October 2024.[11] In November 2024, he was named in the starting XV for Wales opening autumn nations series fixture against Fiji scoring his first Welsh try on debut.[12]

Personal life

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He is Welsh qualified through his mother, who is from Tonyrefail.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Blair Murray". itsrugby. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  2. ^ Griffiths, Gareth. "Wing Murray to make Wales debut against Fiji". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Kiwi youngster Blair Murray creates buzz with spectacular try". Stuff.co.nz. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Welsh-qualified Kiwi Blair Murray becomes Scarlets' latest signing". Rugby Pass. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Blair Murray". All Rugby. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Scarlets sign Welsh-qualified back Murray". BBC Sport. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Scarlets defeated at Welford Road". Scarlets Rugby. 7 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Benetton salvage late draw against Scarlets". rugby365.com. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Scarlets 23-22 Bulls: Hosts celebrate win against 14-man visitors". BBC Sport. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  10. ^ "United Rugby Championship: Scarlets secure bonus-point win over Zebre". BBC Sport. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  11. ^ Lloyd, Matt (21 October 2024). "Uncapped Thomas and Murray in Wales autumn squad". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  12. ^ Griffiths, Gareth. "Wing Murray to make Wales debut against Fiji". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  13. ^ Thomas, Steffan (8 May 2024). "Young New Zealand rugby talent interests Welsh regions and he can play for Wales". Retrieved 12 May 2024.