Grove ready to take centre stage

Published on Saturday 7 November 2009 20:29

AWARD-WINNING writer Tony Collins has published an excellent book: A Social History Of English Rugby Union and this is how it starts: "Of the little that is known about William Webb Ellis, we can be certain of one thing: he did not invent the game of rugby football."

Collins points out that Ellis lived out his life as a minister in obscurity and that any claims about him picking up a football and running with it only emerged after his death. A committee set up to delve into the origins of the game found not one shred of evidence that Ellis had instigated the game.

Thankfully, the authenticity of one of Rugby School's more recent products is more certain. One year ago, the promising Worcester centre Alex Grove could not make the Glasgow Warriors starting team, yet now he is threatening to make his Test debut in Andy Robinson's first full Scotland XV.

He owes something to good fortune, with Max Evans requiring an operation on his "good" knee and Ben Cairns limping to the sidelines last Sunday during the second half of the Edinburgh/Dragons match. If Cairns recovers, the Edinburgh man should take his place at 13; if he doesn't – and the 22-man squad is announced tomorrow – then Grove has a fighting chance.

"Whatever team you are in you never want to see a mate injured, although it may open up an opportunity for me," says Grove. "But there are several centres all vying for the same position." There are just two. If Cairns is sidelined then Grove goes head-to-head with Nick De Luca for the No.13 shirt and the exile has already won that particular battle once before.

During the Nations Cup in Romania last summer, Grove played the first game for Scotland A, De Luca took his place in the second before Robinson picked his strongest XV for the final against France A where Grove partnered Cairns in the midfield. While he played No.12 that day, the Worcester man confirmed that he actually preferred outside centre, despite reports to the contrary from, err, me, and he has started at 13 for his club every league match this season.

"I have always been a centre but I played three games on the wing for the Scotland Under-20s and some matches there for the U19s. I can play 12 or 13. I prefer outside centre but I would turn out at prop if it means a cap for Scotland."

Grove came through the Exiles set-up and he acknowledges a debt of gratitude. Former Scotland winger "Lucky" Jim Pollock was in charge when the then 16-year-old was originally signed up. Grove also lauds Rob Brierley, suggesting that without his input he would not now be on the verge of making his Test debut. The two men stay in touch and Grove helps out with the young exiles when he can by way of payback.

His Scottish qualification comes courtesy of his maternal grandfather Ron Wylie, who was born in Glasgow but who made a name for himself as a footballer in the English leagues. He moved south at an early age and turned out for Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Notts County before going on to manage West Brom in the early eighties. Grandad is still around and, while Junior insists that he knows as much about rugby as, well, William Webb Ellis, he regularly takes his seat at Worcester's Sixways Stadium to cheer his grandson.

"I am lucky in that I have a really supportive family, especially my parents," says Grove. "I am sure they will be at Murrayfield if I am selected. I can't believe that they will miss my first cap if it comes. My dad could have been a good player himself if he hadn't concentrated on the social side of the game."

Also among the Grove family is 19-year-old brother Ollie who has already pinned his colours to the mast by turning out for the Exiles age group sides and he trained recently with the Scotland U20 squad. Alex claims his younger brother is quick, kicks goals and is a superb all-round midfielder who can also do a decent job in the back three, until he remembers it's his brother he's talking about. "I can't believe I'm saying such nice things about my biggest rival."

Worcester chose not to select Grove for their LV (Anglo-Welsh) Cup tie against Newcastle yesterday afternoon. Read into that what you will, not that the player appeared particularly grateful.

"I am a poor spectator," he admits. "If I am watching a game of rugby I get itchy feet. I'd rather be out there playing. I'm only 21 and I don't feel that I've played too much rugby or that I need a rest. I'm happy to be playing every week." He will be especially happy to be playing next week if he receives that all-important phone call.

THE OTHER NEW BOYS

ALAN MACDONALD

The openside flanker is behind John Barclay at the moment and he hasn't been helped by playing out of position for Edinburgh at No 6. He could still make his Scotland debut if the coach wants to freshen things up for the Argentina match.

KYLE TRAYNOR

Genuinely unlucky not to be included in the original 32-man squad, the prop has enjoyed plenty of game time for Edinburgh this year and he has the precious ability to play on both sides of the scrum. He has a good chance of a spot on the bench.

RICHIE VERNON

The least experienced of the four new boys with just three starts for Glasgow this year. The big breakaway can play at six or eight and while he boasts great athleticism it may be a little early to throw him into the brutal physicality of a Test.