Harlequins scrum-half Jake Murray is enjoying learning off his childhood hero England international Danny Care.
Murray, 19, made his Harlequins debut in the Premiership Cup this season and has gone on to play three times in the competition. A nippy No.9 from Whitgift School and Rosslyn Park, Murray starred for the U18 side and looks to be one of many young talents produced by the club's academy.
Murray said: “It's been great. It's my second year at the club, I'm not full time but every time I go back in there, the environment is great. You're really encouraged to express yourself as a person and a player on the pitch, as well as the training field.
“One of the biggest things I've learnt is to be confident and back myself. If you go for something that you think is there that not everyone thinks is on, as long as everyone else buys into it, then an okay decision can be made into the right call.”
Murray feels his strongest attributes are his box kicking and raw speed but is focused on improving all areas of his game.
He said: “I'm trying to keep the defenders honest. I'm working on a variety of kicks and putting different kicks in behind to work the defenders around the pitch. Speaking and listening to Danny, he's one of the best in the world at scanning the backfield. So, learning off him is great.
“Danny was a big inspiration of mine and to now be training with him and doing extras is really good. He's great with me after training and I enjoy picking his brain.”
Murray is yet to pick up any serious injuries as he continues to build momentum in his career, however the current second year Exeter University student says that not everything has been smooth sailing.
He added: “I had Quins trials very young at U13 and didn't get into that and then had Surrey trials that year and got rejected again. I then had another set of Surrey trials at U16s and again didn't make it. That one was probably the biggest blow because of how late it is and by U16s you're looking to make your mark. It was a confidence blow but I've found that if you work hard enough then you'll go on to achieve what you deserve.”
Murray has played in both the National Leagues and BUCS Super Rugby whilst he's been out on loan to Exeter Uni, and believes egular game time is helping him transition back to Harlequins when he's called upon.
He said: “Being at university you're playing week in week out, so you're constantly match fit. When I do go back on short notice I feel confident as I've been playing games which is a massive plus rather than just training at their club.
“I want to play as many games as I can in the Super BUCS on the Wednesday and in National Two West on the Saturday. They are two completely different types of rugby – BUCS is a lot quicker whereas in Nat Two games tend to be slower and more gritty.”
