ACT Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead is ready for a rare double shot at the British & Irish Lions in the quest to propel his Wallabies dreams.
Muirhead was unveiled as part of the first wave of players for the First Nations Pasifika Invitational side to face the Lions on July 22.
Two weeks earlier, the winger looms as a major piece towards the ACT Brumbies' quest to record back-to-back wins over the Lions in Canberra.
“It’s huge for us. We get the chance to play with our clubs and the Wallabies with the Tests but when they announced this, it was a very exciting [chance] for so many cultures to come together for an exciting game against the Lions," Muirhead said.
“This only happens every 12 years so for this to line up, we’re quite lucky as a playing group to get this opportunity.”
Muirhead is deeply connected with the concept as a proud Barunggam man.
The winger is heavily involved in Yaraco, which seeks to empower First Nations people within the construction area.
It's why Muirhead believes concepts like this are so important to boost participation and awareness around not only First Nations people, but a multitude of cultures.
"We're all very passionate about culture. There's obviously some similarities between all of us," he explained.
"I think the great thing about rugby is that you get to connect anyway. We have a bit of a connection with our culture. We have to use the week to speak about what's important for us in First Nations culture and what that's about.
"I'm sure all the Pasifika guys will be able to share some of their knowledge as well. It's a really good opportunity to connect and learn. I'm looking forward to the week and what it brings."
On top of this, Muirhead knows two big performances against the Lions vaults him into Wallaby contention.
The Brumby is coming off one of his best Super seasons, playing every single minute of their semi-final campaign.
He finished fourth on the try-scoring table, with Muirhead one of several ready to use the game to press their claims for a call-up.
“I think the games you play at a higher level and you can prove your worth in those games is always going to push you in the right direction in terms of selection. Everyone that plays here wants to play for their nation," he added.
“I think boys will be doing their best to put their hands up in this game down here in Melbourne. There's a long test calendar ahead for the rest of the year.
"I know a lot of the guys that probably missed out on the Wallabies squad are disappointed, but they get a good opportunity for us to get together and play them for a second time, so it's exciting.
