Murray's new lease on life
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Springbok Waylon Murray has been handed a lifeline, with a one-year contract at his home union the Sharks.
This has given him renewed optimism about his playing future.
The pacy centre has come full circle, returning to where he started his professional career – after four years with the Lions, Southern Kings and Bulls.
At 28, a slimmed down and sleek looking Murray is hoping to make a fresh impact at the Sharks.
"Durban is home, it is where I grew up, it just feels right when I am here," the centre told the media after training on Tuesday.
"After my time in Pretoria I wanted some time to think and to re-evaluate where my career was going.
"When I got back to Durban, that motivation and hunger was still there so I saw it as a good chance to come back home and test myself against the best players.
"I know a lot of the guys and the medical staff so it has been an incredibly easy fit."
Murray was in a tough spot after leaving the Bulls, he had to make a choice where to go next in his career – this included a possible move overseas.
"I was thinking about going overseas," he added.
"But when I got back here, to Durban, seeing the guys and talking to Sean Everitt got me excited again to be back home and giving it another try.
"Coming back into this environment has been effortless."
Murray admits that he is in the best shape of his life, looking slimmer and gaining back that pace that made him such a weapon for the Sharks previously.
The centre puts it down to the Sharks allowing his body to reach its potential by supporting him and the number of serious injuries he has had overcome.
"When I was with the Bulls they asked me to do a few things [in order to bulk up]," he said.
"But with all my injuries, for me, I was more concerned with getting into shape and doing what was right for my body going forward.
"Once I lost that weight it felt more like a better fit for me.
"I am feeling incredible on the park so I am excited for it."
Schooled at Westville Boys High, Murray made his debut at 19 for the Sharks and spent six years with the Durban-based franchise, picking up three Springbok caps along the way.
By Darryn Pollock
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