Murphy feels his Lucs in on dual-reg

As one of 14 players to head out of Sixways on dualregistration, Ben Murphy is thankful to be playing at any level to continue his development that was laid low last year.

The loosehead prop finds himself as one of three academy players at National Two South club Luctonians and welcomes the long days training with the Warriors coupled with evening sessions at Lucs over the nothingness of a Covid-interrupted 2020.

With no A-League matches on the horizon for the Worcester Cavaliers, Murphy is focussed on performing to his best in the lower leagues while regularly consulting with first team coach Jonathan Thomas and transition lead Chris Morgan at the Premiership club.

“It would be great to be a part of the Premiership Cup or the European Cup stuff,” Murphy, 19, said. “I think about last year when there were no games, and I am just very appreciative to be able to play for Lucs. I have got to make the most out of any opportunities that come my way this year, whether it be Premiership Cup or in a Lucs game.

“There is me, Jack Forsythe and Cheick Kone here and that has brought the three of us closer together. I am really enjoying it at the moment; being able to split time between

Lucs and training here at Warriors means everything is rugby for me. “I’m up at 7am and it is rugby and it is the same once I get back from training at Lucs in the evening up to when I go to bed. It really does make you love the game and I am happy to be out playing rugby again after last year.

“The vibe here is really good, Lucs is a family club and since we got here we haven’t just walked into the team. You have to show you want to play for the club and you have to prove yourself, and they have been so welcoming.” Eligible for England, Wales and Ireland, Murphy had looked set to represent Wales U18 in last year’s Six Nations after attending a couple of camps – but the tournament was cancelled. After seeing Worcester teammates Fin Smith and Lewis Holsey win honours for England U20s, Murphy says any chance of a call-up starts with stringing performances together for Luctonians.

“My dad was born in Cardiff and both of his parents are from Ireland and that is how I qualify for both of them,” Murphy explained.

“It is a bit early to know what my options are right now but obviously to be involved with either England, Wales or Ireland would be an absolute honour. Again, that will just come from playing well now.”