I’ll rise to challenge of Pro 14
WORLD OF SPORT Fit-again Richie ready to lead charge for Warriors JAMIE’SJOYLESS DUMPEDDUO
JONNY GRAY has shrugged off injury woes and has set his sights on Glasgow’s quest for glory in the new Guinness PRO14 league.
But the Scotland hero admitted he faces one of the biggest battles of his career to reclaim a starting slot in the Warriors line-up – even if he is club captain again.
Gray will be sidelined for the first few months of the campaign after undergoing surgery to repair wrist damage.
And as he helped to launch the Pro14 build-up in South Africa the line-out specialist insisted his biggest incentive to return to top-flight action is the anticipation of squaring up to new teams, the Cheetahs and Southern Kings.
Gray said: “The operation went well and I can look forward with confidence to getting through the rehab period.
“The inclusion of the South African sides is massive for the competition and it will be thrilling to be involved.
“However, I am not taking anything for granted and I know it will be a case of having to prove myself again to get back into the starting line-up – especially with the new coaching team in place.
“Head coach Dave Rennie has emerged as one of the best and the prospect of working under him is exciting.” TENNIS JAMIE MURRAY’S preparations for the defence of his US Open title suffered a blow after the Scot and Brazilian Bruno Soares slid to a last-16 defeat at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.
The No.3 seeds reached the semi-finals in Washington last week and were targeting another extended run before going to New York later this month.
Frenchmen Gael Monfils and Benoit Paire had other ideas, however, as they ran out 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (5-7) 10-5 winners. DARTS GARY ANDERSON and Peter Wright last night suffered shock first-round exits in New Zealand.
The Scottish pair were dumped Down Under in their opening matches of the World Series event.
Anderson, right, was first to go when sunk by namesake Kyle as he slumped to a 6-4 defeat.
Wright then followed his World Cup team-mate right out of the door. Snakebite was defeated by the excellent Corey Cadby by the same scoreline as Anderson.