Euan Murray opts out of Sunday games

Thursday 17 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > Scotland

Scotland prop Euan Murray will miss his country's first game of the Six Nations, but it's not because of injury or suspension.

The devout Christian has decided he will no longer be playing on Sundays in a move that's bound to provoke a mixed reaction from fans.

It stirs up memories of protests outside Ravenhill a few years back, when Ulster's first Sunday game led to outrage from the Reverend Ian Paisley and his Democratic Unionist Party.

Murray's choice means he will not feature in France's visit to Murrayfield on February 7th, but that's the only one of his country's Six Nations matches that falls on a Sunday this year.

And the Scottish Rugby Union appears to be standing by their man, promising that it will not affect his chances of being picked for the remaining four games.

"We very much respect Euan's wishes and support Euan," said director of communications Dominic McKay.