The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to announce the signing of outside back Heremaia Murray on a two-year deal.
Murray was invited on the recent tour with the Queensland Reds to Japan where he reinforced the positive traits the club had identified.
He made a try-scoring debut on the wing as a Red in the 42-28 win over the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Kumagaya.
From being a “player of interest”, he has progressed to signing a contract for 2025 and 2026.
The 94kg Murray, 24, played three times for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific in 2024 and has been a regular for Northland in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship since 2022.
“I can’t wait to get started in Brisbane,” Murray said.
“Touring Japan was a little taste of what the Reds are capable of and that was with a young team.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and more so to be playing in a team style that suits me well.
“I love to be busy from the wing and being involved is something that Les (Kiss) and Brad (Davis) are always talking about as coaches.”
Reds head coach Kiss said the club had been observing Murray’s performances in the NPC for a number of months.
“He has all the assets of a good outside back with speed, power and a background in a good program with the Crusaders,” Kiss said.
“We thought the opportunity to take Heremaia on the tour of Japan was a good chance for us to see him play and train and for him to see what we are about as a club.
“He shows good rugby sense and works well within our system. Having another left-foot kicker is always handy.”
Born: 11/1/2000, New Zealand
Height: 1.87m
Weight: 94kg
Club: Northland (NPC)
School: Auckland Grammar
Super Rugby matches: 3 (Debut v Fijian Drua, 2024)
Queensland Reds caps: 1 (Debut v Wild Knights, 2024)
