FIJI Water Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has expressed strong confidence in the abilities of young player Motikiai Murray as preparations ramp up for their Autumn Nations Series clash with England on Sunday. Hailing from Lovoni, Ovalau, Murray has quickly made a name for himself as a top flanker, making steady progress through the ranks of Fijian rugby, including stints at Ratu Kadavulevu School, the Fiji Under-20 team, and the Fijian Drua development program. As a notable member of the Drua’s squad, he was also selected for the Flying Fijians team, underscoring his growing prominence in the sport.
Coach Byrne is particularly impressed with Murray’s leadership capabilities, drawing attention to his role as captain of the under-20 side. “He was captain in the under-20s. He’s a good young player,” remarked Byrne, highlighting the promising aspects of Murray’s game. However, the coach acknowledged that, like any developing player, there are areas where Murray needs to grow, particularly in increasing his field involvement to better align with the team’s overall playing style.
Byrne described Murray as a tough competitor, noting his aggression in the contact areas and his potential for future development. “We feel his toughness over the ball and his aggression around the contact area is a real plus for him,” said Byrne. The coach remains optimistic about Murray’s future, recognizing his good qualities and the importance of nurturing young talent within the team. “We’ve got to keep assisting those young players and give them an opportunity to reach their potential.”
As the Flying Fijians gear up to face England at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, followed by a match against France in Bordeaux on November 15, Murray is eager to absorb knowledge from seasoned teammates, including those who have played at the World Cup level. His mindset reflects a humble pursuit of excellence, emphasizing the significance of learning from experienced players as he develops his own game.
With a spirit of resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement, Motikiai Murray represents the hopeful future of Fijian rugby, embodying the passion and dedication needed to excel at the international level. As he continues his journey with the Flying Fijians, his performance in the upcoming matches will be closely watched, with many anticipating a bright year ahead for this talented young athlete and the national team he represents.