Murray was not expecting to sign for the Drua sooner, grateful for the opportunity

Being signed up by the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to play in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition was something that young flanker Motikiai Murray was not expecting to have happened any sooner.

The 20-year-old made his debut for the Drua against the Crusaders in round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition this year.

Murray says he had set his target of securing a professional rugby contract in France but when the opportunity to represent the Drua came about, he did not hesitate and grabbed it with both hands.

He says after leading the Fiji Under 20 side to the World Rugby Championship in South Africa this year, he had set his goal of representing the Fiji Water Flying Fijians on the world stage and when he got the Drua call-up, it moved him closer to achieving his dream.

Murray says being part of the Drua is an eye-opener for him, especially when he is playing alongside some of the best players in the game and is learning from them.

The young flanker acknowledged his family’s support towards his rugby career and says they are his huge motivation in pushing him forward.

Murray says he has set his target for the upcoming season next year and he is looking forward to making a name for himself in the backrower’s position.

The Fijian Drua’s first 2024 Super Rugby Pacific match will be against the Blues on the 24th of February in Auckland.