Academy prospect Cam has learnt the hard way

HAVING developed through the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in South Africa, Cameron Murray is looking to make his mark in the National Leagues with his new side Canterbury.

The 20-year-old Scottishborn back rower has joined the National 2 East side ahead of next season and is looking forward to the new challenge playing in England.

“Playing in the National Leagues is something I’ve always had an interest in,” Murray said. “The National Leagues are getting bigger and it’ll be a different experience to what I’ve experienced in Scotland, so that drew me in.”

Canterbury won promotion to National 1 in 2019 but were relegated back to National 2 South a year later. The club are desperate to get back into the third tier and Murray has been impressed with head coach Matt Corker’s ambition.

“They’re wanting to build back up to National 1 after a couple years outside and get themselves back to the level the club belongs,” Murray said.

“Matt said to me the main goal for this year is to push for the top half of the table because last year they finished 12th. Then next year potentially top four and then the year after hopefully go for promotion, so it’s realistic goals that are achievable.”

Unsurprisingly at 6ft 2ins and 15st 9lbs, physicality is the best aspect of Murray’s game and the Scot is looking forward to transferring what he’s learned in South Africa into adult rugby.

He continued: “I’m a young hard-working player who has spent time out in South Africa learning from world class coaches and being surrounded by world class facilities to improve myself as a player and will bring what I have learned and experienced to Canterbury and help push the club back up to where it’s capable of being.

“I feel a lot fitter, stronger and even in the small bits of my game I’ve definitely improved a lot. I feel I have come on leaps and bounds, not only in rugby, but as a person as well.”