Chris Harris: Why Gloucester's 'Flying Scotsman' could be set for Lions Tour return this Summer
03/30/2025 06:55 AM
By Peter Ryan
Scotland’s backline is phenomenal, with abundant talent across the backs. Huw Jones is among the best outside centre players in the game today. The Scottish international can be a catalyst for attack, delivering whenever he gets hold of the ball. His talent is undeniable.
Jones's dominance on the international stage has limited another player’s opportunities to don the Scotland jersey as much as he would have liked. In addition to being a tactician with precision and strong in defence, Chris Harris is a leader on the field. His leadership skills have been instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy and performance. With every game, the outside centre continues to shine for Gloucester, capturing the hearts of the Kingsholm faithful.
For Club – Born in Carlisle, made in Cherry and White
Even though Harris has worn the Scottish thistle on his chest on international duty, England was his place of birth. Hailing from Carlisle and qualifying for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born grandfather, his rugby journey was paved in England.
Balancing his studies with rugby, he played for Tynedale RFC while studying Architectural Technology at Northumbria University, earning his degree in 2013. A year later, the Scottish international would make the leap from National League One, a lower division, to the Premiership, the top tier of English rugby.
The Newcastle Falcons snapped up Harris, who debuted in October 2014 against București Wolves in the Challenge Cup, scoring a try. Harris made a habit of crossing the whitewash on his debut. Two months after his European debut, he ran out in the Premiership for the first time, bagging a brace. The 34-year-old called Newcastle home for a few years but spent a season with Rotherham Titans, getting a taste of Championship rugby.
Having joined Gloucester in 2019, he has cemented himself as a vital part of the team. Yet, his talent extends far beyond Kingsholm, as Harris has proven himself in the international game.
For Country – From English origins to a flying Scotsman
He began his international rugby journey with England Counties XV and wasted no time making an impact, scoring against Belgium. In 2017, the 34-year-old made the Scotland squad and then did battle against Samoa for his initial Test game.
Harris etched his name onto the international scoreboard for the first time in the 2019 Six Nations, scoring against Italy. The Gloucester player was consistent throughout the 2019 World Cup, competing in all four matches.
His relentless work in the 2020 and 2021 Six Nations, particularly against England and France, paved the way for a British & Irish Lions call-up, culminating in his appearance in the second Test against South Africa. Harris hasn’t taken his foot off the gas and has produced titanic performances for the Cherry and Whites, suggesting that another Scotland or Lions appearance could be on the horizon.
Style and Statistics – Deep dive into Harris’ on-field impact
The Scottish international excels in all aspects of the game, particularly in defence. Harris is a wall in defence, quickly shutting down attackers and using his sharp rugby intellect to read the game. He leads by example on the defensive ball, and the Gloucester defence looks noticeably different when he's not on the pitch.
Harris has notched up 746 minutes for Gloucester, scoring two tries. A powerhouse in attack, he has charged forward 89 times, covering 241 metres, breaking through four times, and leaving 15 defenders trailing. His vision is equally sharp, with 43 passes and four offloads to his name. As stated before, he is a rock in defence, making 76 tackles with minimal errors.
In fine form, not many can produce defensively like Harris, and he could contribute significantly to Scotland. Scotland will head to the Southern Hemisphere in the summer, and with Jones looking dead set to be on the plane to Australia, it could allow Harris to add to his tally of international caps.
Harris is a sensational talent who has shone on the biggest stages in the grandest stadiums. He is a player who can still produce at a high level with tremendous experience. From past triumphs to future ambitions, Harris’s journey is far from over. It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for him.
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WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
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