Now it’s all systems bro
Richie ready to kickstart Scots career with Jonny
RICHIE GRAY will watch wee brother Jonny bid for Euro glory today – then set his sights on a Scotland comeback.
Jonny lines up for Exeter in the Champions Cup Final against Finn Russell’s Racing92.
And a Chiefs win would make the older sibling more determined than ever to kickstart his Test career – starting with Friday’s autumn series opener against the tough guys of Georgia at Murrayfield.
Richie, who has been absent from Scotland’s plans for more than two years, said: “I wasn’t sure how things would be after opting out of the World Cup in Japan 12 months ago.
“In fact I thought it could be all over. But you never can tell what is going to happen.
“Fortunately, I was able to get back from my spell in France to Glasgow Warriors – which I am very thankful for.
“Now I have been invited back into the Scotland environment so the chance is there again and it is just about taking the opportunity.”
Gray revealed he needed no pause for thought when Scots boss Gregor Townsend got in touch last weekend.
He said: “There was no question. Toony sent me a text on the Sunday night to say I was involved and I texted back straight away to say that I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“It is just great because I’m in a far better place than I was at World Cup time. It was pretty simple back then.
“The birth of my child was in May and the camp was two weeks after that – I just wanted to be around for my wife and my son.
“Going to Japan would have meant a lot, months away from home.
“And I just didn’t feel I was in the best place to offer that.
“I had also just come back from injury, so I wasn’t in the best shape physical ly. Gregor understood all that.”
Richie, who has 55 caps and a Lions tour to his name, insisted there was no ill-feeling from that.
He said: “There were never any burnt bridges.
“It was just a case of keeping up conversation and him respecting my decision.
“I have always had a great relationship with Gregor and when he got in touch last week I was delighted.”
Jonny isn’t available for the Georgia clash but Richie can’t wait to team up with him again in the dark blue jersey. He sa i d: “When I am asked who my favourite second row partner is, I a l way s go for him.”