URC outfit fend off reported Prem suitors to tie down ‘incredible’ Test star

Blair Murray has committed his future to Welsh rugby after penning a long-term deal to remain with the Scarlets, giving new national team head coach Steve Tandy a timely boost. 

The New Zealand-born back, who qualifies for Wales via his mother, was the subject of interest from across the Severn Bridge, with the Daily Mail reporting that multiple Premiership sides were looking to make a play for his services ahead of the new season. However, he has instead signed a three-year deal to remain at Parc y Scarlets until 2028.

Murray has been a revelation since arriving at the Welsh club last season, becoming a key man for both Dwanye Peel’s United Rugby Championship play-off chasers and the Welsh national side in the process. His form for both club and country also saw him pushed into the mix for the British and Irish Lions.

To date, the versatile back has won 10 Test caps for Wales.

‘I can’t wait to get back going again’

Commenting on the news, Murray said: “I really enjoyed my first season. I’m grateful for the opportunity the Scarlets gave me to come to Wales and play for such a proud club.

“Since being a small boy, as with many kids all over the world, you dream of being a professional rugby player and I’m lucky enough to be living that dream.

“There is a great group of boys here and a great culture; everyone gets around each other and helps each other out, it’s like a family environment.

“It’s been awesome that the coaches have had the confidence in me to go out there and do my thing. I’m loving it here which made extending my contract until 2028 an easy decision. I’m excited to be sticking around.”

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“I can’t wait to get back going again. This is a fantastic club with clear ambitions to challenge in the URC and in Europe and hopefully we can build on what we achieved last season.”

Scarlets head coach Peel added: “Blair had an incredible first season. We knew he was a good footballer and was a real running threat when we signed him, but I don’t think any of us imagined the impact he would have.

“He is the type of player who fans come to watch, someone who can light up a game, and his attacking intent fits into how we want to play.

“He carried on his Six Nations form for Wales into the final weeks of the URC and a lot of people were talking about Blair as a potential Lions tourist this summer, so for him to sign a contract extension for the next three seasons is a real statement from him and from the club.

“The exciting thing is that we feel there is a lot more to come from him as well and we are looking forward to welcoming him back with the rest of the international players when they come in next week.”

Murray is one of several Wales stars to commit their future to the Llanelli club, with the likes of Macs Page, Eddie James, Joe Roberts, Sam Costelow and Taine Plumtree also penning new deals. Joe Hawkins and Jake Ball have also respectively signed from Exeter Chiefs and NEC Green Rockets.

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