Rugby was good to me, it's time to return favour

Published on Tuesday 4 September 2007 12:00

SIR DAVID MURRAY has hinted at an element of payback to rugby with regard to a £2.7million jersey sponsorship for the Scotland team through his Murray International company.

News of the three-year deal was broken at Murrayfield yesterday where company chairman Murray was happy to show two sides to his persona - hard-nosed businessman and sporting enthusiast.

Murray's own sporting participation was curtailed by a road accident in the 1970s which cost him both legs as he returned home from playing a match for Dalkeith. And he acknowledges the support and encouragement received from the rugby community in those dark days. "I still have a match ball signed by both Scotland and Wales teams after an international around the time of my accident.

"So, yes, the rugby community helped me," he says.

On the business front Murray is adamant that as well as supporting Scottish sport he will be getting a viable return on the investment for his companies when the deal kicks off on November 1.

"I'm very happy to be involved. It is a great opportunity for my businesses.

"2.7million is a lot of money but benefits will come," he said.

The Murray business empire can be broken down into various factions including Rangers Football Club but the chairman believes rugby can help pioneer new ventures.

"When I told all my Chief Executives what Murray International were doing they immediately saw chances to develop into different areas.

"I also think it takes away a wee bit from Rangers which can dilute the success of the overall company."

According to Murray there are now chances to enhance the company brands in areas more closely linked with the oval ball.

"Murray International own a vineyard in New Zealand and properties in Australia which are two examples of where the jersey sponsorship can be effective," he said.

As for Murray's rugby passion, he says: "I played for Edinburgh Colts in a match at Murrayfield and well remember the first international I went along to watch in 1964 when Scotland drew 0-0 with Wilson Whineray's All Blacks and Gregor Sharp just failed to clinch a home win with a drop goal that went inches wide.

"My all-time favourite rugby player? That has to be John Beattie."

Part of Beattie's career was spent at Heriot's where he added to caps won between 1980 and 1987.

Murray added: "I particularly liked to watch John Beattie playing. He played with heart and soul and that is all you can ask of anybody.

"I've a lot to occupy my time on a Saturday afternoon but still manage to retain an interest in rugby.

"What I really hope for is as much international sporting success as possible - from Rangers, the Scotland rugby team and Celtic, too.

"So long as Rangers and Scotland are competitive I'll be particularly happy.

"You've always to be realistic but the rugby boys have got to get through to the second stage of the World Cup [starting next week] and if Rangers can get more European games whether in the Champions League or UEFA Cup then that will be a success."

Where sport and business collide so far as Murray is concerned and which may have helped clinch his sponsorship deal is a long-time acquaintanceship with key Murrayfield figures. Besides the fact that current SRU chairman Allan Munro is a former director of Hibernian both the current Chief Executive and National Coach are familiar figures also.

"I worked at one time with Gordon McKie while Frank Hadden taught rugby to my two sons when they were at [Merchiston Castle] school. I feel comfortable with them," said Murray. There is a hint, too, from Murray of fringe benefits for current international rugby players when their careers end.

"I said some time ago that I like employing sports people because they bring with them a certain integrity and still believe that.

"There might be job opportunities for some of the young men in the Scotland squad one day."

Launching his backing, Murray made no attempt to disguise a strong belief that all Scottish sport needs more support, from politicians especially.

He told the Evening News: "I hope I stirred it up a bit because it needs to be stirred up. People try to be too politically correct. I can do that because I work for myself and see things through travelling the world. That has led me to believe Scots should be [more] proud as a nation."

One obvious question for Murray was, having been an aspiring young rugby player, would he have swapped his business successes for a Scotland cap?

He replied: "I have done much of what I set out to do and can't think of anything I've missed out on. Certainly being chairman and owner of Rangers makes me as proud as anything.

"I don't think any of us can look back except to say I was an average, standard player for Edinburgh Colts who took pride in that, although rugby was always a social thing as I had already started my own business."

Might that business acumen and sporting passion have teamed up spectacularly to signal an exciting future for Scottish rugby today?