Gary’s Scotland U-turn
NEWCASTLE flanker Gary Graham has stunned Eddie Jones by turning his back on England and switching allegiance to play for Scotland.
The 26-year-old, who was part of England’s Six Nations squad last season, was yesterday called up by the Scots for their remaining autumn internationals after informing coach Gregor Townsend of his about-turn.
Graham, who was born in Stirling, remains eligible because he is still uncapped having been ruled out of the championship with a neck injury.
“I’m Scottish through and through but England asked me first as I’m eligible through residency,” said Graham, whose father George won 25 Scotland caps.
“It would have been a silly opportunity to pass up. 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.” Graham, who claimed when he was first called up by England at the start of the year to feel more English than Scottish, spent four seasons at Gala before moving to Jersey in the Championship and then on to Newcastle.
His abrasive back-row style was attractive to Jones but, having been squeezed out by the fast-tracking of Brad Shields and the development of Sam Underhill and Tom Curry, he has decided to throw in his lot north of the border.
Having trained with England, his input could prove useful ahead of the Calcutta Cup match that concludes the Six Nations this season.
“It was great to hear from Gary that he wanted to commit to Scotland,” said Townsend. “His form over the past 12 months at Newcastle has moved him closer to playing international rugby.” Graham, who replaces the concussed Blade Thomson in the squad, could make his debut against South Africa on Saturday.
The Scots moved above Australia to No6 in the world rankings yesterday after their convincing 54-17 win over Fiji at the weekend.
England reassemble at their Pennyhill Park base tonight to prepare for Saturday’s Test against Japan.
While England’s players will receive a £25,000 match fee for what should be a walkover, the Brave Blossoms will be on more meagre rations.
“Our guys here are amateur. They are employees of companies and they get 2,000 yen (£14) a day,” said Japan coach Jamie Joseph yesterday. “We just want to leave our footprint behind.”