Motikai Murray’s journey through the Fiji rugby ranks has been a rapid rise, however, it comes with the hard work and the extra effort at training.
From leading the Fiji schoolboys team and putting his tertiary studies on hold for the Fiji Warriors, he has gone to debut for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in a Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final match last year, even as a development squad member.
The 20-year-old flanker is now part of the 37-member Drua playing squad and is keen to continue his rise and learn from the best on his journey.
“To be honest, it has been a tough journey for me, as it was not easy coming through the under-20s,” the Lovoni, Ovalau native said.
“I did not expect that I will have my debut in the quarter-final against Crusaders, but I was prepared for it even though I did not expect to play in that game.”
Murray said he has learnt a lot from experienced players such as Meli Derenalagi and Vilive Miramira.
“I used to watch them on television and now I am training with them, so this is a big moment for me. I hope to play all the Drua home games in front of my family and friends.”
For now, the next target for Murray will be the Flying Fijians. Just when he makes the team is a matter of time.
Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua will host seven of its 14 games in Fiji during the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season in 2024.
The Fijian Drua, for the first time, will host NSW Waratahs and Western Force on home soil, while top sides returning to play in front of the world’s best rugby fans include defending champions Crusaders, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika, Queensland Reds, and Melbourne Rebels.
Lautoka’s Churchill Park will host matches against the Crusaders, Waratahs, Western Force, Moana Pasifika and the Rebels, while the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva will host the Hurricanes and the Reds.
They will battle the Blues in their opening Super Rugby match for the new year in Auckland on February 24.
