FRESH from helping Scotland to a third-placed finish in this year’s Six Nations, Worcester tighthead prop Euan Murray is now focusing on a strong finish to the season with Warriors.

The former Northampton Saints prop missed his country’s 12-8 win over Ireland on religious grounds as the game was played on a Sunday, but he started the other matches, including the 34-10 success over Italy.

The 32-year-old front-rower also won his 50th cap for his country in the tournament-opener against England and is rightly proud of that achievement.

Murray said: “The Six Nations campaign was better than the last few years when we have been kicking about with the wooden spoon. We got third place, so that was a big improvement.

“I was proud to make my 50th appearance for Scotland. It took a lot to get there. I had a lot of support from team-mates around me – you can’t play well without the rest of the pack playing well.

“That’s for club and country. I’ve got a lot to thank all the physios I’ve worked with over the years who have kept me fit and get me on the pitch and all the fitness coaches and other coaches, of course. I try and share knowledge when it’s appropriate.”

Having been eased back into club rugby after his Six Nations exertions with a spot on the Worcester replacements bench at London Irish last time out, Murray is now ready to reclaim the Warriors number three jersey.

The powerful prop has returned to the first XV for today’s Aviva Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs at Sixways (3pm) and is expecting a tough engagement.

Murray added: “We’ve been working hard this week. We were disappointed from the game last week (against irish) and we’ve looked at the things that went wrong and we’re hoping to come out and get a good win in front of our fans.

“We looked at the video from last weekend’s game and the guys were disappointed with what happened. There were encouraging things. We got over the line a couple of times but didn’t manage to get the ball down.

“The weather is unbelievable at the moment. It’s freezing and it’s been snowing and raining. It would be nice if the weather improved – we’ll see what the summer brings. But I don’t mind a forward battle if that’s the way the Exeter game goes. Exeter are a good side. They’re well-drilled and they do the basics well, so we’ve got our work cut out this weekend.

“We’re hoping to enjoy our rugby and get an away win before the end of the season. It would be good for the guys who are staying on and the guys who are leaving to get some momentum.”