Graham glad dad is proud of his surprise England call-up
FORMER Scotland Under-20 cap Gary Graham has admitted that his father George is the ‘most passionate Scot’, but that he was ‘proud’ of the back-row’s recent shock call-up to the England squad.
There was some disbelief north of the border last week when Stirling-born Graham, 25, was named in a 34-man training squad by England head coach Eddie Jones to take part in a new year training camp in Brighton on January 1 and 2.
The Newcastle Falcons man, who was brought up in Cumbria, was called up for the first time after performing well for the English top-flight side in recent months after joining in the summer from Jersey.
As well as playing in Scotland Under-20 squads with the likes of Stuart Hogg, Ali Price and Finn Russell, Graham represented Gala and the Scotland Club XV previously.
His father George, now head coach of Hawick, won 25 caps for Scotland between 1997 and 2002 at prop — but now there is a chance his son could line up against Gregor Townsend’s men in the upcoming Six Nations.
Ahead of Newcastle’s Aviva Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs today, Graham said: ‘I’d never ever thought about playing for England or even being selected for a camp.
‘I’ve only been in the Premiership since the start of the season. I was happy with my progress but I didn’t think anyone else was.
‘When Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards called me into his office last week and said: “You’ve been asked to go to the England camp. Do you want to go?” I didn’t know what to say. I just stood silently, thinking: “What the hell has happened in these last couple of years?”
‘My dad was my rugby hero and I always hoped I would be something like him.
‘He is the most passionate Scot I’ve ever met in my life but he wanted to play at the highest level he could and so do I. I was brought up in England and I’d really like to play for England.
‘They are second in the world and they have aspirations of making it to the top. Ultimately, that’s where every player wants to be. Dad is really proud. He’s happy for me.
‘It was a bit of an eye-opener, training with England. It was intense but I really enjoyed it. Everything is focused on the basics but they are just done really well.’