Krystal Murray

Krystal Murray is a prop for the New Zealand women's rugby union team. She also represents Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki. An accomplished dual code rugby player, Murray debuted for the Kiwi Ferns in 2017 and the Black Ferns in 2021.

Born on 16 June 1993 in Kaitaia, New Zealand, Krystal Murray is a popular player in rugby union and league. She started her career playing league for the Kiwi Ferns. This included representing the national team at the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup. She scored five tries at the tournament and became something of a rugby league legend. 

Her rugby union career began two years later in 2019. Her first signing was with provincial rugby team, Northland. Next, Murray joined Blues Women for the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season in 2022. She started in all three of their fixtures and scored a try in their 21-10 win over Matatū. 

After making her debut for New Zealand in 2021, Murray was selected to represent the Black Ferns at the 2022 Pacific Four Series. Next, Murray appeared in two matches at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup. This included a headline-worthy performance in the final: she scored a try just three minutes after coming off the bench.

Since then, Murray has made two career-changing moves. She transferred to Hurricanes Poua in 2023 and represented the team during the second Super Rugby Aupiki season. The following year, she signed to Chiefs Manawa ahead of the 2024 season. 

On the international stage, Murray impressed during 2023. At the Pacific Four Series, she was part of the lineup that produced New Zealand’s stunning 50-0 result against Australia. Then, at the Laurie O’Reilly Cup, she was the first player to cross the line in their 43-3 triumph over the Wallabies. As a result, her name was included in the World Rugby Women’s 15 Dream Team of the Year.

With her union career still taking off, we can't wait to see what the future holds for Krystal Murray.