Murray Mitchell (left) is presented with his first Scotland RL top by Scotland RL Joint Head Coach Chris Chester.
Trainee accountant Murray Mitchell recently earned the first full international caps for a Strathmore RFC player in its 85-year history over two successive weekends.
The 21-year-old from Forfar, who learned his rugby from age seven in the Strathmore Sharks youth rugby union section, was called up by Scotland’s league side for the October 27 European Championship game against Ireland. Seven days later, Murray got the nod for the match against Wales. They’re the first Scotland rugby league caps for a Strathmore player.
Murray played his senior union rugby with Strathmore 1st XV until two seasons ago, when he transferred to Aberdeen Grammar Rugby. However, he continues to play for Strathmore’s RL team, the Silverbacks.
Honoured
Speaking about the historic caps, Murray said: “It’s not very often you get the opportunity to represent your country in a sport you love, so I was honoured to be given that chance. I loved every minute of the experience, including the challenges of stepping up to international level and gaining my first pro cap.”
Strathmore RFC President Bob Baldie said: “Strathmore RFC is delighted and extremely proud to be associated with Murray’s recent successes. As a young player he stood out among his peers as an emerging talent on the field. We are delighted this has been recognised by the national side.
“Supporting our young people to develop through rugby is a key value that underpins our club vision. We believe the development of these skills will support our young people to succeed in life. We continue to support Murray and to watch his international career develop.”
For information about Strathmore RFC and how you can get involved, go to http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/strathmorerfc or its Facebook page.