Saints sign Murray


Northampton Saints have signed Scottish international Euan Murray on a two-year contract.



The 26-year-old tighthead prop becomes the latest player to commit himself to Franklin's Gardens as head coach Paul Grayson looks to strengthen his squad.

Murray, who has won seven caps for Scotland, becomes the third player in recent weeks to sign for Saints following the high-profile captures of Barry Everitt from London Irish and and Ben Johnston from Saracens.

Murray said: "I am looking forward to coming to Northampton to further my career. It's a big challenge but the squad and facilities are first class."

Grayson is set to unveil further signings over the next few weeks - more details and preview of the big game against Gloucester in Friday's Chronicle & Echo.



01 March 2007


SAINTS WEBSITE REPORTS
Northampton Saints have signed Scottish international Euan Murray on a two-year contract.

Northampton Saints today announced the signing – subject to a medical – of Scotland prop Euan Murray.
26 year-old Murray, who has seven Scotland caps and is national coach Frank Hadden’s current first choice at tight-head, will arrive at Franklin’s Gardens at the beginning of next season on a two-year contract.

Murray joins the Saints from Glasgow Warriors, where he has played since 2003 and for whom scored a try on his Celtic League debut. After playing for his country at U18, U19 and U21 level, Murray toured Australia with the Scottish squad in 2004.

He made his first senior Scotland appearance against the Barbarians in May 2005 and won his first full cap against Romania a fortnight later. Murray is also a member of the Scottish Institute of Sport.

“Euan has come to the fore during the Six Nations,” said Northampton Saints’ head coach Paul Grayson. “And his signing further strengthens our squad for next season. With both Euan and Pat Barnard as international standard tight-head props it demonstrates our intent to make a genuine challenge in the GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP next season.”

“I’m looking forward to coming to Northampton next season,” said Murray. “The facilities and squad are world class and I’m looking forward to helping them get back to the top of the game in England.

“Obviously having Tom Smith at the Saints made the decision easier. He’s a legend in the game; a British Lion as well as a Scotsman so it’ll be fantastic to play with him.”

This article was originally posted on 1-Mar-2007, 20:45 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 1-Mar-2007, 20:51.