Scots will need their Gray game
Jonny’s a key man says Doddie
BY GARY HEATLY DODDIE WEIR has backed Jonny Gray to continue to improve on the big stage and play his part in a successful Autumn Test series for the national team. The 48-year-old Scotland legend – who earned 61 caps for his country mainly in the same second-row spot where Gray plays now – was speaking at BT Murrayfield yesterday at the launch of his autobiography. In 2017 the larger-than-life character was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and next weekend Scotland will take on Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff with the Doddie Weir Cup being up for grabs for the first time. The last time the Scots were down there during the Six Nations in February they left with their tails between their legs after a 34-7 loss. Gray and Co will be aiming to avenge that loss and Weir believes the 24-year-old, who already has 43 caps, will be a big player for Gregor Townsend’s men in Wales and then later in November at home to Fiji, South Africa and Argentina.
“I have always admired Jonny and I think he is a really exceptional player with a big future ahead,” Weir said of the Glasgow Warriors man.
“The game is much harder nowadays than when I played, well maybe not harder, but you could get away with things a bit more.
“But now you have to be so careful out there and Jonny does a great job for club and country.
“He is a good guy who works very hard and always wants to get better and all of the players helped raise funds for MND by donating their jerseys from last year’s New Zealand match for auction.
“The Scotland team are doing very well just now. I know they have been working hard in camp this week and it would be lovely if they could bring the trophy back up the road to Murrayfield.”
Weir – who has become famous for his tartan suits – revealed he is having a new one specially made for the trip to Cardiff.
Carl Hogg, Scotty Lawson and Nikki Walker will be in charge of the Scotland U20s for the shadow Six Nations campaign.
Ex-Worcester supremo Hogg, who’ll lead the backroom team, said: “It’s an honour to have the opportunity to develop and help shape the next generation of players.
“The different challenge of leading a young squad through a tournament format is an exciting prospect.”
Assistant Scott Lawson had spells with Glasgow, Sale, Gloucester, London Irish and Newcastle. Walker will continue as attack specialist.