Son of 1990 Grand Slam hero named in Under 17s

THE son of 1990 Scotland grand slam hero Chris Gray has been selected in the Scotland under-17 side to take on England in Melrose on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).

It is the Scots’ only international fixture of the season, and the competition for places has been intense, with a national trial two weeks ago and then a final selection at a training camp last weekend.

Head coach Peter Laverie said: “We have the length and breadth of Britain covered. Ben Vellacott [scrum half] plays at Barnstaple and Ruaridh Knott [flanker] is with Highland RFC while Karl Main [openside] comes from Dunbar and our captain Magnus Bradbury [No 8] hails from Oban.

“The players have responded well to the level of competition for places and it means we have a stronger squad throughout. We have a set of quick players and they’re looking forward to playing a fast game.

“We have Nick Gray, son of Chris Gray, in the second row, while Magnus, Ewan Bulger, Harry Walker and George Horne are all involved with the Regional Academy, although I’m sure one or two others will have put their hands up by the end of the programme.”

This is the first opportunity for the majority of these players to experience international rugby and it will be a huge physical challenge against England.

Laverie added: “They’ve worked hard and we had a good preparatory camp last weekend. The players are excited and so keen to do well for Scotland, and they’ll be giving it their all.”