Count me in/gray available for Scotland
● Lock targets Edinburgh-glasgow game ● He’s also ready to fight for Scotland spot
Veteran lock Richie Gray has confirmed that he is ready to resume his Scotland career after declining the chance to appear at last year’s World Cup in Japan,
writes Duncan Smith.
The 30-year-old, who has 65 caps, is back in Glasgow for a second stint at the Warriors after moving from Toulouse. He hasn’t played for Scotland since the 2018 Six Nations and turned down national coach Gregor Townsend last year due to a series of injuries and the arrival of his first child.
However, Gray says he is now keen to pull on the dark blue. “The desire is always there and that’s the same for every player, to represent your country,” he said. “But first and foremost, the priority is Glasgow. Every player will tell you that you need to play well for your club before looking at internationals.
“You also have to take into account that the [Scotland] second row is pretty strong at the moment. There is a lot of strength in depth and the competition for places is tough. So let’s see what happens. Gregor was very understanding, left the door open.”
He hasn’t played since December but Richie Gray is hopeful he can get his second spell at home city club Glasgow Warriors up and running as soon as possible in the match against Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield on 22 August.
Gray is back in town after strict lockdown in France after deciding to leave Toulouse, with whom he won a French title, and looking forward to the next stage of his career after a couple of disrupted years.
Still only 30 and with 65 Scotland caps and one Lions Test to his name, his momentum has been stalled by injuries. The addition of a new-born son Ostin, with wife Ellie, saw him take the decision to opt out of the Japan World Cup.
However, he is viewing this is a fresh start albeit in the difficult current circumstances due to the pandemic.
“Yes, I certainly hope so,” he said when asked if he saw playing in the first of those August derbies as achievable. “Condition wise, I’m not too sure. Let’s wait and see the Glasgow Warriors fitness tests. I’ve kept myself ticking over in lockdown as best I could. I joined up with the group at the start of July and I’m in reasonable condition, but there’s a lot further to go given the last few months.
“My last game was in December. It was in the doubleheader against Montpellier. I played the first leg but then got a head knock in training that week so I haven’t played since mid-december.”
Adding to those Scotland caps is also firmly back on the table.
“The desire is always there and that’s the same for every player, to represent your country,” said the 6ft 10in lock forward. “But the priority is Glasgow. Every player will tell you that you need to play well for your club before looking at internationals.
“You also have to take into account that the [Scotland] second row is pretty strong at the moment. There is a lot of strength in depth and the competition for places is tough.”
He said the lines of communication with national coach Gregor Townsend had always remained open.
“Yeah, it’s just been small stuff, no great detail, just how are you getting on?” explained Gray. “A bit of chat around the Six Nations but I took a head knock so I wasn’t available. With the World Cup, Gregor was very understanding and left the door open.”
There has been talk that Scotland’s remaining 2020 Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff could be fitted in on 31 October and Gray said he would be involved if selected.
“Yes, I’m available,” he said. “I suppose those conversations will happen over the next few months but first and foremost is to get back playing and trying to get a slot in this Glasgow squad. I don’t think I can get ahead of myself.”
The Cambuslang man has been settling in back home after arriving last month.
“We got back on 16 June. We had to do the 14-day quarantine. After that I was able to link up with squad,” he said.
A lot has changed at the club he left in 2012 for Sale Sharks before spells in France at Castres and Toulouse.
“That’ s areas on whyi wanted to come back. Playing at Firhill back then [before the successful move to Scotstoun and 2015 Pro12 title win], crowds were not what they are just now,” he said. “The match-day experience looks incredible, they sell out every week, really fast pitch as well. I looked on and thought I would quite like to run out there one day and now I’m in the position to do that.”
Due to his Scotland hiatus Gray has not had much involvement with new Warriors head coach Danny Wilson but has been impressed by his discussions with the former Scotland pack chief.
“He’s very much a hands-on coach, a very personable guy, you can sit down and have a conversation with him and get everything out in the open,” said Gray. “His ideas have been really good, I really like what he’s saying.”
“Condition wise, I’m not too sure. Let’s wait and see the Glasgow Warriors fitness tests. I’ve kept myself ticking over in lockdown as best I could. My last game was December”
RICHIE GRAY