By David Parsons
It may be the “Land of his Mother” but new Wales squad member Blair Murray will be doing all he can to learn the words of “Land of my Fathers” ahead of his potential first Wales cap next week.
The 23-year-old Scarlets wing has made such an impact since arriving in Wales in June that he found himself being chosen by Warren Gatland as one of two uncapped players in his 35-man squad for the November clashes with Fiji, Australia and South Africa.
Murray, and fellow Scarlets wing Tom Rodgers, were at it again for their pro club in the BKT United Rugby Championship as they both got on the scoresheet in the win over Zebre to give themselves a big boost ahead of joining up with the Wales squad.
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It was a third win in a row for the Scarlets to move them up to sixth in the table at the end of the first block of six fixtures and made it back to back tries for both players.
In between the wins over the Bulls and Zebre, Murray learned of his squad selection.
“It still hasn’t sunk in – it was a bit of shock to be fair,” admitted Murray, who qualifies for Wales thanks to his mother coming from Tonyrefail.
“I called mum and dad pretty much as soon as they woke up and, yes, there were a few tears. My mum has always wanted me to wear the red jersey and she was over the moon.
“I wanted to push for the Wales squad when I came but I definitely didn’t think it would happen this fast. It has been quite a shock to me.
“But I’m absolutely stoked to have this opportunity. I haven’t learned the anthem yet, but I’m sure I’ll be practising in the shower or something – I’ll definitely have to get on to that.”
He won’t be the first player to have to learn his lines to join in the blood tingling rendition of ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ – or ‘Land Of My Fathers’ – that precedes every international at Principality Stadium.
He will be following in the footsteps of other players either born or raised in New Zealand who have then gone on to play for Wales – Hemi Taylor, Dale McIntosh, Shane Howarth, Brett Sinkinson, Matt Cardy, Sonny Parker, Gareth Anscombe, Hadleigh Parkes, Johnny McNicholl and housemate Taine Plumtree.
They all had to learn the Wales national anthem, as did Kiwi coaches Sir Graham Henry, Sir Steve Hansen, Warren Gatland and Wayne Pivac.
Living in Cardiff with Plumtree has helped Murray and his girlfriend settle into Welsh life and culture pretty quickly and he will be hoping to match Plumtree’s rise into international rugby by winning his first Welsh cap only a few months after arriving.
Even though he is only 5’ 8” tall and weighs in at 75kgs, Murray is hard to stop with his turn of speed and neat footwork.
“I’d say I’m an attack-minded player. When I get the ball in my hands I feel like I’m dangerous but my work-ons have definitely been the defensive side of the ball,” added Murray.
“I’ve done a lot of work with the coaches at the Scarlets and Jarred Payne has been a huge help to me.
“I know international rugby is going to be a step up, but I’m excited to be a part of it and excited to face the challenge.”
