Motikiai Murray has expressed his eagerness to represent the Flying Fijians in the upcoming November Tests, calling it an incredible honor to wear the national jersey. The 21-year-old open-side flanker, who currently plays for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, is also preparing for the next Super Rugby season while eyeing opportunities in international rugby.
“I’m just focusing on my Super Rugby preparations, but to be called to the national team would be an honor,” Murray stated in a recent interview. His aspiration to wear the national colors comes in the wake of his recovery from ankle surgery earlier this year. Despite the challenges of transitioning from Super Rugby to the international arena, he is committed to improving his fitness and strength.
Murray knows that excelling at the international level necessitates meeting the physical demands of the game, especially when competing against some of the world’s best players. “Working on my fitness and strength on and off the field, maintaining my diet, and keeping my fitness levels up are crucial,” he explained.
Currently, Murray is aware of the stiff competition within the loose forward position, especially with standout players like Elia Canakaivata and Levani Botia representing Fiji at a high level. “It’s not going to be easy to make the cut with all the talent we have,” he remarked. Murray sees Canakaivata and Botia as key players who inspire him, citing their skill and experience as benchmarks he aims to reach.
The Flying Fijians are set to compete against England on November 8 at Twickenham and then face France on November 15 in Bordeaux. The squad for these highly anticipated matches is expected to be announced shortly, and Murray’s dedication and hard work may just earn him a spot among the esteemed players representing Fiji on the international stage.
As the rugby community eagerly looks forward to the upcoming Tests and the Super Rugby season, Murray’s journey embodies the spirit of resilience and ambition essential for success in the sport. His commitment to continuous improvement and learning from seasoned teammates positions him as a promising prospect for both the Drua and the national team in the future.
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