Euan Murray calls for an end to Sunday matches

Published on Thursday 11 February 2010 22:41

SCOTLAND prop Euan Murray admits he would like rugby to drop Sunday matches as he prepares to make his comeback to the team for the RBS Six Nations match against Wales tomorrow.

• Euan Murray says he is in better shape than he's ever been. Picture: Lynne Cameron/PA

The 29-year-old committed Christian explained how he had made his decision to no longer to play on the Sabbath as his faith grew stronger. Others in sport have reconciled their faith with a belief that God would support their playing on Sundays, notably Jason Robinson, the former England and British and Irish Lions winger, and Ireland's Andrew Trimble.

Murray respects their choice, but feels differently and having sat out Scotland's defeat to France on Sunday he said he would prefer not to have to make the same difficult decision again.

"The decision was made quite a while ago, probably over a year ago," he said, "and it's just come to light now. But it was a difficult decision. It took me about three years after I became a Christian, but I'm happy with my decision and I had a good Sunday, a good 'Lord's Day'. But I hope things will change in future. I don't see why there have to be games on Sundays."

Scotland are due to play Argentina on Sunday in the 2011 World Cup, and could also face a quarter-final and, if they make it, a semi-final on a Sunday in New Zealand. But Murray is pleased simply to be back in the side for tomorrow's match in Cardiff.

"I don't know how many of my team-mates agree, necessarily, (with the decision], but they're supportive and they know that's what drives me as a player and as a man. I wasn't worried (about the reaction of supporters], just willing to take whatever I would face. But Andy (Robinson] has been very supportive and I'm really happy that he's given me the opportunity to play this week."

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