Scots switch was a relief, says Graham
GARy GRAHAM might have trained with Eddie Jones’s England but now feels liberated as a fully-fledged Scot.
The Newcastle flanker, 26, was picked to train with England last year and said he’d like to play against Scotland in the 2018 Six Nations and ‘ shove it in their face’ after they ignored him.
But Graham (below) did not feature, so Gregor Townsend selected him for Scotland in November and the Falcons backrower — son of former Scottish Test prop George — performed an about-turn, making his debut against Italy last month.
‘It was a big relief ringing Eddie and telling him I was going to Scotland,’ said Graham.
‘It took a lot off my mind. I know it’s a cliche but some things are meant to test you.
‘ When I got my first Scotland cap, I only played nine minutes but I came off to see my dad, my mum, my three brothers and my girlfriend. I looked at my dad and he was bawling his eyes out.
‘I have never seen that man cry, I didn’t think he was capable! He was saying how proud he was.’
Graham was not in the Scotland team who came from 31-0 down to draw with England last week, but is now ready to help Newcastle complete their great escape from the Premiership relegation zone.
The Falcons, who finished fourth last season, play Sale tonight at St James’ Park looking for a third straight Premiership win, knowing that if results go their way they could move off the bottom of the table for the first time in three months. ‘ We’ve given ourselves the best fighting chance by winning the last two games,’ said Graham, who is committed to stay at Newcastle even if they
go down.