New Wales winger Blair Murray is still in shock over how quickly his call-up to Warren Gatland’s squad has come about, but is more than willing to ‘accept the challenge’.
The New Zealander only joined the Scarlets this season, but he has impressed in five URC appearances so far.
“I know it’s not going to be easy”
Murray had previously represented New Zealand schools in his early career, but this will be his first time in a senior international setting, which he is looking forward to.
“When I knew I was coming over I wanted to push for the Wales squad,” according to him. “I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly, so it was quite a shock.
He went further: “I don’t fully know what to expect, but I know it’s not going to be easy, although I’m willing to accept the challenge and get a part of it.”
Warren Gatland talks in on 20-minute red card regulation ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
The winger was born and reared in New Zealand but qualifies for Wales through his mother, and he spoke openly about the emotional discussion he had with her after receiving the call-up.
“I had to wait until 6 p.m. here before they (Murray’s parents) awoke, but I called them right away, and they were overjoyed. They were still half-asleep when I spoke with them on the phone!
He continued, “There were some tears. She (Murray’s mother) has always wanted me to wear the red jersey, so hopefully I’ll have the opportunity in November. “She was over the moon.”
Murray also said that, despite his All Blacks fandom, he had always had a soft place for Wales growing up.
“I was an All Blacks supporter first growing up, but Wales was a close second,” he recalled. “Mum was always a Welsh supporter though.”
“When the match (between New Zealand and Wales) came up, everyone wore black, and Mum wore a red shirt. It was a funny dynamic.”
Murray is one of just two uncapped players in Gatland’s squad this time around, alongside Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas, and the duo might earn their first caps when Wales face Fiji next month.
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