Interview with New Captain James Murray
This week I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with James Murray, the captain of this historic club for the 2025/2026 season. James grew up in South Africa and is currently completing the second year of his master’s in energy policy and finance. Last season he was very impressive for the Saints; a defensive ace who is a real danger with ball in hand.
James flying down the wing vs Birmingham (H)
Q – What is your rugby background?
A – “I’ve played rugby all my life. I’m originally from South Africa so rugby is a massive part of the culture over there. I came from a primary school of 24 boys in the grade, meaning I played every position in the backline as a ‘lighty’. I fell in love with the responsibility and strategy required to be a centre and made that my set position from the age of 13 when I went to boarding school. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to represent an invitational SA side in the HSBC sevens in 2019, then gone on to the u20s varsity cup in SA for a year. I even played a game for Jed Forrest in 2023 followed by a festive sevens season for Highland Rugby Club up in Inverness.”
James (left) with fellow South African players after last year’s varsity win
Q – How have you found your first year at St Andrews and the club?
A –“Brilliant, I was struck by the sense of community at the socials, by the real bond between the entire squad. I remember sitting at my first social thinking to myself, I’ve missed this.”
“It had been a good few years of Covid and travelling before I got to St Andrews. So after the first cracking game against Northumbria, a pre-season fixture where I managed to score 2 tries, the sense of community at that first social was just amazing and that’s continued week in week out. The playing capacity was competitive but also very welcoming, and I appreciated the balance between the high performance and the enjoyment off the pitch. Coming in I didn’t quite know what to expect but it’s exceeded all of that.”
James at this year’s club dinner social
Q – What was your reaction to being asked to captain the first XV this year?
A – “It’s a huge honour. I’ve looked up to the past captains like Ferg (Fergus Cato) and JP (John Patterson) who have done exceptionally, so to be trusted with that role is something I take rather seriously. I also think it was lucky that JP stayed on to do a master’s so I could have the example of him and Ferg both in the team to see what the role of a captain should be like in St Andrews. You can have a captaincy role in any rugby team around the world, but you’ve got to tie into the club culture. You must also realise what it means to those guys who have been here for a while and played multiple Varsity matches. I understand what the culture means back home and I’m going to try and get everyone to buy into the exceptional culture here too at St Andrews.”
James scoring for the 1st XV against in the trophy match vs Dundee
“I felt a lot of gratitude and a wave of responsibility just knowing what the team and club is capable of. I’m excited to help push people more. There’s definitely some nerves but one thing my father told me is “nerves just mean you care”. So, I’m going to let people know I’m nervous but it’s because I want to do this job properly.”
James about to nail his man at Uni Park vs Birmingham
Q – How would you describe your leadership style?
A –“I think both relational and intentional. I like to lead by example on the pitch and get alongside guys off it. Leadership to me isn’t necessarily the loudest voice, rather building trust, creating standards, and making sure everyone feels valued and motivated. I want to bring the best out of people. Example for me has always been the most important and then with that the words will follow.”
James in action against Newcastle 2s (H)
Q– What makes you tick both on and off the field?
A – “On the field: competition, challenge, and connection. I love being part of a team where everyone is pushing themselves and each other during training or a fixture. Off the field I’m quite purpose driven. Balance is key for me, having different anchors outside of rugby helps me bring my best when I’m in it.”
“Faith is a big one for me and my desire to get more and more involved in church. Honestly, I feel if we are to have belief in ourselves during a game then we need to have belief in something greater outside of that. There has always been a verse which I repeat over and over to myself before running onto the field, and I have done for as long as I can remember from the book of James – “humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up” (James 4:10) – and that’s what I believe and hope to make our team tick.”
James (front row third from left) amongst 7s side for the University Celestial 7s