Murray still in shock after Wales autumn call-up

Wing Blair Murray made his Scarlets competitive debut against Benetton in September 2024

Scarlets wing Blair Murray says he is still in shock after being included in Warren Gatland's 35-man Wales squad for November's autumn internationals.

Murray, 23, was on the Scarlets training field when the squad was announced.

"As soon as training finished we were out on the field and a couple of the boys came up to me and said congratulations," said Murray.

"I was a bit confused and didn't know what for but they then told me. It was cool to find out with the boys and celebrate with them a bit."

Murray was born and brought up in New Zealand but qualifies for Wales through his mother, who is originally from Tonyrefail in south Wales. He had to be patient in sharing the news with them.

"I had to wait until 6pm here until they woke up," said Murray.

"I called Mum and Dad pretty much as soon as they woke up and they were stoked, although they were still half-asleep when I was talking to them on the phone.

"There were a few tears. She's always wanted me to wear the red jersey so hopefully I'll get an opportunity in November. She was over the moon."

Murray admits to being a New Zealand fan growing up as a child but insists Wales was always close to his heart.

"Personally, I was an All Blacks supporter first and Wales was a close second, but Mum was always a Welsh supporter," said Murray.

"So whenever the match-up came about, it was everyone wearing black and Mum was in the red top. So it was a funny dynamic."

Murray linked up with Scarlets this summer and says he was focused on playing for Wales when he arrived.

He says being included in an international squad after only playing five matches for Scarlets was not part of the original plan.

"When I knew I was coming over I wanted to push for the Wales squad," said Murray.

"I didn't think it would happen this fast so it was quite a shock.

"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."

Home comforts

Blair Murray and Taine Plumtree (right) are among eight Scarlets players named in Wales' autumn squad

Murray now hopes to win a first Test cap as Wales begin against Fiji on Sunday, 10 November at Principality Stadium, before playing Australia (17 November) and South Africa (23 November) in Cardiff.

Whether his parents will fly over for those games remains to be seen.

"I'm not sure, they really want to," said Murray.

"Unfortunately they've already booked flights for a couple of weeks later for when we play Glasgow on 29 November.

"They were planning on watching one of my Scarlets games but whether or not they can come a bit earlier or not we'll see, but hopefully."

Murray was able to celebrate with his Scarlets team-mate and house-mate Taine Plumtree with the back rower also named in the squad.

"He's stoked as well," said Murray.

"You have to be when you get the opportunity to play international rugby. We went out for dinner as a little celebratory dinner and we're both chuffed."

One thing Murray will have to do if he gets his chance is become familiar with the words of the Welsh national anthem.

"I haven't learned that yet, but I'm sure I'll be practicing in the shower or something!" said Murray.

"I'll definitely have to get on to that."

'It is a great story'

Murray came through the Crusaders academy in New Zealand and played for Canterbury in the domestic competition before arriving in Wales.

"We did our homework on him prior on him moving from New Zealand," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel.

"We understood he has good character and everybody there spoke highly of him.

"I'm pleased for him personally as well as all the family out in New Zealand.

"He made what was a tough decision to come over here for someone so young.

"He was studying at the time in Christchurch so I'm full of admiration for him. It's a great story."

Murray and fellow Scarlets wing Tom Rogers have been called up following injuries to Josh Adams and Liam Williams.

Murray, who can play full-back and even fly-half, has impressed for Scarlets with an excellent try against Bulls last weekend and a try-saving tackle on Cardiff wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb which helped seal a victory at the Arms Park.

"We know how good Blair is from an attacking sense but he's been defensively sound as well," said Peel.

"He is not the biggest but he's been very competitive."