There’s a saying that rugby is the game they play in heaven. If that’s the case, Scottish prop Euan Murray may have to wait until he plays at Pearly Gates Park before rectifying his decision to sit out yesterday’s 13-12 loss to Argentina in the Rugby World Cup.
A devout Christian, the 31-year-old British Lions representative believes Sunday scrummaging is against God’s will, but ironically, following Los Pumas’ victory, it seems Scotland’s qualification for the knockout stages may now need some divine assistance.
Murray’s decision to refrain from playing on the Sabbath has parallels within both rugby and Scottish sport, but not in the professional era.
All Black flanker Michael Jones missed key matches in both the 1987 and 1991 cups after abstaining from Sunday play.
Closer to Murrayfield, Scotsman Eric Liddell pulled out of the 100 metre sprint at the 1924 Paris Olympics after heats were scheduled on a Sunday, but won the 400 metres after a teammate surrendered his spot in the field (thin Stevens-Thorpe with rosary beads.
But what separates Murray from both Jones and Liddell is that playing rugby is his job.
While I respect any individual’s right to take a stand on account of their personal beliefs, I draw the line when that person’s belief directly clashes with their profession.
Both Jones and Liddell were amateur athletes, whose love of sport was second only to the love of their God. Perhaps this is also true of Murray.
But the difference is that Murray committed to a profession that necessitates playing on weekends.
Murray’s stance raises several questions about professional sport.
Scotland selected him knowing his position. Should they wear some of the criticism?
If you’re a good enough player, should you free to pick and choose when you’re available for selection?
Ultimately, the decision rests with the athlete, and in this case it was unacceptable.
Playing rugby as a career was Murray’s choice (Will Hopoate’s upcoming sabbatical is the flipside), and playing on Sunday is a necessary evil.
I guess it may not have made a difference anyway. I don’t know what Euan Murray would say, but Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ and last night’s victory makes me think that maybe God is Argentinean.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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