Richie Gray arrival boosts Scotland squad in Japan

Scotland's squad was boosted ahead of the first Test against Japan on Saturday as lock Richie Gray, joined up yesterday.
Richie Gray has joined up with the squad. Picture: Ian RutherfordRichie Gray has joined up with the squad. Picture: Ian Rutherford
Richie Gray has joined up with the squad. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The 6ft 10ins second row has been a key player against Japan, who traditionally struggle to match the size and power of the European teams. Scotland are trying to maintain a 100 per cent Test record against the Brave Blossoms

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter allowed Grayto play for his club side, Castres, in their wild-card play-off in the French Top14.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They lost 28-9 to Montpellier in what was Gray’s last game for them before moving to Toulouse next season, freeing him to travel and he is expected to train with his Scotland team-mates today, with the team for the first Test to be announced on Thursday.

“He is looking forward to it,” said Scotland assistant coach Matt Taylor. “We have not named the team – we will wait to see what mental and physical shape he is in. depending on how he turns up will determine whether he comes in to consideration.

“Today’s [Monday’s] training is not a full-on session in terms of a lot of the contact, more about organisation. We have a hard session on Tuesday, when the bulk of the work will be done, and we hope he [Gray] will be involved.”

Related topics: