Six Nations standout Blair Murray gives Welsh rugby a boost

Fullback Blair Murray, who was arguably the pick of Wales’ players in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, has signed a new three-year deal with the Scarlets.

Murray’s contract extension will keep him in Llanelli until at least 2028.

The speedster enjoyed an outstanding debut season in Welsh rugby following his move from New Zealand, earning a Wales Test call-up, being named in the URC Elite XV and pushing himself into contention for a British & Irish Lions call-up.

Born in Hawera on New Zealand’s North Island, the 23-year-old qualifies for Wales through his mother, who is from Tonyrefail.

He finished the season as the Scarlets’ top try-scorer with 11 tries – including a memorable effort in the URC quarter-final play-off against Leinster in Dublin – and was voted Players’ Player of the Season at the club’s end-of-season awards.

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “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’re looking forward to welcoming him back with the rest of the international players when they come in next week.”

For his part, Murray was happy to repay the Scarlets for helping him gain international honours with his loyalty.

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, I’ve dreamed 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.

“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.”