A Scottish rugby player who will miss a crucial World Cup match on Sunday because of his Christian faith says he hopes matches will be scheduled on other days in the future.
Euan Murray, who is described as the best in his position by his coach, will not play in Scotland’s match against Argentina at the World Cup in New Zealand.
Mr Murray said: “I don’t see why there have to be games on Sundays”, and commented: “I hope things will change in future.”
Happy
Scotland’s coach, Andy Robinson explained: “Euan Murray is discounted because it’s Sunday.”
Mr Robinson also said: “Euan is our best scrummager, but he’s not playing in this game.”
Mr Murray has previously described his decision not to play on Sundays as “a difficult decision I had to make”, but added that he is “happy” with it.
Ignore?
Euan Murray has said: “It’s basically all or nothing, following Jesus. I don’t believe in pick ‘n’ mix Christianity.
“I believe the Bible is the word of God, so who am I to ignore something from it?
“I might as well tear out that page then keep tearing out pages as and when it suits me. If I started out like that there would soon be nothing left.”
Believe
He has also commented: “I want to live my life believing and doing the things (God) wants and the Sabbath day is a full day.
“It’s not a case of a couple of hours in church then playing rugby or going down the pub, it’s the full day.”
In 2008, Mr Murray did play on a Sunday in a game for his national side but later announced that he would no longer be available for selection on Sundays.