Stirling County second-row Sophie Murphy has had a “really fun and rewarding” season so far and she wants to make it even better by winning the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership title this coming weekend.
The 23-year-old has been in top form as County have won 13 out of 13 regular season fixtures in stage one and two in recent months. In fact, her form has been so impressive that it was no surprise to see her named in the Glasgow Warriors squad for the upcoming Celtic Challenge this week.
Having helped County win the 2022/23 and 2023/24 titles before losing last year’s final to Corstorphine Cougars, Murphy is looking forward to this year’s final against Watsonians at Bridgehaugh on Saturday (4.10pm, live on BBC ALBA).
“This season has been really fun and rewarding for me,” Murphy, who works in the police, said.
“I think balancing everything outside of rugby of late has helped me appreciate the game even more. Over the last few months, I’ve tried to add a bit more consistency to my performances, focusing on the small details, working on my decision-making and trying to be more confident on the ball. It’s been a good challenge and one that’s really helped me grow.
“And, as a team, it’s been an incredible season so far. Going unbeaten all the way to the final is no small task, and the squad and coaches deserve a lot of credit for that. Everyone shows up week in, week out and we play for each other.
“For me the most pleasing aspect of things with the group is the hunger to keep improving. Even when we get good results, there’s always that feeling that we can raise our standards again. It really reflects how much we want to win for one another and how determined we are to be the best in the league.
“Of the four seasons I’ve been with County, I’d say this has been the best for team spirit. We all know how to have a laugh together, but we also know when it’s time to knuckle down.
“This week we have mainly be fine-tuning what we’ve been working on over the last few weeks. From the start, [head coach] Mark Ainsworth has always encouraged us to keep things simple and that approach has taken us to a fourth consecutive final.
“We know that if we execute the basics well, we can achieve great things on the pitch. The two-tier system [with a top four and bottom four stage two] this season has also helped as playing tougher teams more often has exposed our flaws and shown us exactly where others have capitalised. That’s been valuable in helping us sharpen up for moments like this.”
Murphy spent most of her childhood in Germany before moving to Scotland just as she was starting high school.
“I first played rugby at primary seven age in Germany, but I actually didn’t return to the sport until my second year at Stirling University.
“A few of the girls from my university team – Fi Keys, Annie Hopwood and Rachel Cox – were already playing for County and encouraged me to come along to pre-season before the 2022/23 season. Stuart Keys from the club was also really supportive and played a big role in helping me make the move.
“Joining County has honestly been the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s given me so many opportunities and I’ve made friends for life. It’s such an inclusive club, the girls are brilliant and we have such a good laugh together.”
Sophie Murphy is pictured – thanks to Bryan Robertson
From November 14 to December 14, GH Media will be featuring on all aspects of women’s rugby in Scotland including the exciting conclusion to the domestic Premiership, news on Scots playing down south and lots more during a busy month.