The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Internet sensation Reid relishing challenge
Gordon Reid may be struggling to stomach the local delicacies in Japan but the Scotland prop is determined to devour as many experiences as he can from his final World Cup.
The 32-year-old loosehead prop will finally get to satisfy his hunger for action when he starts his first game of this year’s tournament tomorrow against Russia.
The former Glasgow and London Irish forward is due to return north of the border once the competition ends following an unhappy two-year Exiles stint after agreeing to join newly-formed semi-professional outfit Ayrshire Bulls, and knows he is unlikely to sample too many more occasions like the Scots’ Shizuoka showdown with the Bears.
The 19-stone frontrower – who has become an internet sensation with a string of hilarious videos he has posted during his stay in Japan – said: “We’ve got a chance to do something special. It starts against Russia.”
He added: “I’ve loved being out here. I just wanted to have fun in training and spend time with the boys, have a laugh and enjoy my rugby.
“The last two years with Irish, I was going through a bad time. I missed my family and it just wasn’t good for me.
“I’ve overcome that now, and training with the boys has been fun and has given me a new lease of life. I want it to continue.
“Gregor has given me an opportunity to come over here and I just want to grab the chance with both hands and prove myself.”
Russia may sit bottom of Pool A without a point on the board after thrashings from Japan, Samoa and Ireland, but their rugged pack has won admirers and Kirill Gotovtsev is in the running for the tighthead slot when the team of the tournament is announced.
Reid knows he cannot afford to take a side ranked 20th in the world lightly as the Scots chase a bonus point win to stay in the hunt for the quarter-finals.
“Russia a great team who offer a lot in forwards and lineout,” he said. “They have a lot to offer, especially their tighthead who is a big strong boy and given an opportunity he can cause a bit of damage.”