Gaz welcomed into Scots fold despite fling with England
GARY GRAHAM is being welcomed into the Scotland squad like any other player after reverting to the land of his birth following a brief flirtation with England.
The Newcastle Falcons flanker seemed to close the door on following his father George into the Scotland team when he accepted an invitation from Eddie Jones earlier this year to join an England training squad.
He then gave an interview in which he claimed that having been brought up in England that was his first choice, while also stating that he would “love to play against Scotland, make 1000 tackles and shove it in their faces.”
Yet yesterday’s announcement came on the back of discussions between the player and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend which had been taking place for some time.
“I’m absolutely delighted to get this opportunity. I phoned Gregor to assure him I wanted to play for Scotland, and always wanted to play for my country. It’s where I’m from and where I played most of my rugby,” said the 26-year-old, who spent three years playing for Gala when George was coaching the club, before getting his break when at English Premiership side Jersey.
He also sought to explain his previous decision, saying: “I’m Scottish through-andthrough but England asked me first as I’m eligible through residency. It would have been a silly opportunity to pass up.”
That invitation to train with England was issued just a couple of months after Scottish Rugby officials had indicated that they would be upping their scouting operations south of the border.
If Graham was caught up in a case of rugby politics, the Scottish management’s willingness to forgive and forget suggests that they have not fallen for it.
Indeed, current Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor observed yesterday that the way the younger Graham expressed himself was far from unfamiliar.
Taylor said: “From what people tell me I think he was trying to wind up his dad, it was a little bit tongue in cheek and what you say in interviews.
“When you read it in the press it sometimes doesn’t quite come out that way.”
Graham has been called into the squad to replace Blade Thomson, the latest of Scotland’s Kiwi imports who has been ruled out of the autumn Tests after suffering a concussion playing for the Scarlets against Edinburgh earlier this month.
His inclusion was welcomed by the latest home-based player to make his mark in the back-row, Edinburgh’s Jamie Ritchie having put in a barn-storming performance against Fiji on Saturday and indicating that Graham would be treated the same as any other newcomer.
“One thing that happens with anyone who comes into the squad, whether it be academy guys or new guys being selected, the first meeting they are welcomed with a round of applause,” said Ritchie.