Motikiai Murray says being named to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad isn’t about a rush to wear the national jersey, but about learning from the veterans around him and elevating his own game.
The Drua flankers says there’s no pressure to claim a spot on the match-day 23, but he’s embracing every chance to learn and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Murray is surrounded by some of the team’s best players and is determined to take in as much as he can to push his development forward.
“For me, I think it’s a great opportunity to learn from them especially Bill Mata, Elia Canakaivata as they have played at World Cup level. It’s no pressure for me – it’s a great opportunity for me to learn and take up the spot when they leave,” Murray said, underscoring the mindset of a young player soaking up guidance from seasoned teammates.
As one of the youngsters in a high-calibre squad, Murray understands the standard that’s been set and the importance of soaking up experience from the senior players who’ve walked the path before him.
Murray’s rise is set against a backdrop of Fiji’s recent success on the international stage. The Flying Fijians produced a commanding 50–19 win over Tonga in last year’s Pacific Nations Cup, a result that the squad will look to echo in the first-round showdown next week at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Murray and the team will aim to reassert their benchmark as they prepare for a tough start to the competition.
The 21-year-old from Lovoni, Ovalau, is not just eyeing the national team; he’s also working on his game with the Drua, where he made his debut in a Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal against the Crusaders last June. Murray has long looked up to Flying Fijian flanker Levani Botia, hoping to emulate Botia’s strength at the breakdown and his reliable defensive game.
Off the field, Murray has been building his resilience and fitness as he recovers from ankle surgery in Sydney a few months ago. He’s been focusing on rehabilitation and is gradually returning to field sessions, aiming to be in peak shape for both the Drua and any potential call-ups to the Flying Fijians. In addition to rugby, he enjoys volleyball, a testament to his varied athletic interests and overall work ethic.
Murray has never shied away from the broader goal: wearing the national jersey. He’s open to filling different roles, including number 8, if the opportunity arises. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in six Drua matches, a record that reflects a developing talent finding his footing at a high level of competition.
As the Flying Fijians and Drua edge into the new season, Murray’s focus on learning from the best, staying fit, and seizing chances when they come positions him as a promising figure in Fiji rugby. His journey—from Ratu Kadavulevu School to the Drua, and potentially to the Flying Fijians—illustrates a young player harnessing mentorship, resilience, and ambition to shape a bright rugby future.
Summary: A rising open-side flanker from Ovalau is leveraging mentorship from seasoned teammates, recovery from ankle surgery, and a determination to push his limits as Fiji’s squads prepare for a decisive start to the Pacific Nations Cup and beyond. Murray’s blend of defense, breakdown work, and versatility keeps him on the radar as Fiji’s rugby path continues to evolve. Positive momentum suggests a bright year ahead for him and the teams he represents.
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