Euan Murray move to Worcester boosts bid for Scotland recall

EUAN Murray has signed a contract to return to the Aviva Premiership with Worcester Warriors in a bid to step up his bid to return to the Scotland team.

The 32-year-old prop had been with Newcastle but, after they were relegated to the Championship he left for a three-month loan deal with French Top 14 side Agen as he sought a top level of rugby to keep him match-fit for international duty. However, he managed just two starts, in defeats to Montpellier and Toulouse, and two appearances off the bench, which also ended in defeat.

He will move to Sixways next month, his third club in England following his introduction to English rugby with Northampton. Murray’s performances with the Saints and Scotland earned him a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009 and he featured for Scotland in both the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, but has struggled to maintain form and selection in the past two years due to injuries and his decision not to play on Sundays, in line with his religious beliefs.

Corin Palmer, Rugby Operations Director at Warriors, said: “We are very pleased to be able to sign a player of both the pedigree and talent of Euan Murray. He has shone in both the Aviva Premiership and international arena over many years.

“He is looking forward to working with the players and coaching team we have assembled, in particular Phil Vickery, who he toured with for the British and Irish Lions, and embracing the style of rugby we are looking to promote at Sixways.”

With Tevita Taumoepeau currently ruled out through injury, Head Coach Richard Hill said it was crucial to bring in another quality tighthead.

“John Andress, James Currie and Rob O’Donnell are all making big strides for us,” said Hill, “and we are naturally delighted to be able to sign a player of the quality of Euan Murray.”

Murray, who remains keen to play for Scotland in the forthcoming autumn Tests – though he will miss the opening match against the All Blacks, as it is on a Sunday – insisted: “I looked at the ambition at Warriors and it’s important to go somewhere where the set-up is right and everything is geared in the right direction, to bring success.”