Statement: Gregor Townsend angry after Jonny Gray declines Scotland recall
Yesterday at 04:23 PM
Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has revealed that Jonny Gray has turned down the chance to make his return to the national team for the upcoming autumn Tests.
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The 30-year-old lock, capped 77 times, last pulled on the Scotland jersey in March 2023 before suffering a nasty knee injury that wiped out his entire season.
Now plying his trade in France with Bordeaux after a summer switch from Exeter Chiefs, Gray's back in action and playing regularly, but he's not quite feeling ready for a return to the international stage just yet.
"Yes, that's a bit disappointing from our perspective," said Townsend, who named his Scotland Autumn squad today.
“I’m angry, disappointed because we want players to experience more than just club rugby if they’ve deserved it,” Townsend told the BBC’s Scotland Rugby Podcast.
"Jonny and Bordeaux feel that given he's played two months of consistent rugby for Bordeaux that it's an opportunity for him to rest during November.
"We'd much rather have him playing with us, but that's just the way it is and we've got to move on with other second rows."
Asked if the door was still open for Gray to return in the future, Townsend said: "Of course. Jonny's going to miss out for this period and it'll depend if others grab their opportunities.
"He was out for 18 months, he's come back and played at a high standard, but it's difficult with players playing in France.
"They're not available for all our games and we understand the challenges of that, but it's also disappointing that he's not available for this period."
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Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the "best scrum-half"
In a Lions XV selection that's sure to spark some heated pub debates, Danny Care – yes, the man with over 100 caps for England – has handpicked his "best scrum-half" for next summer's tour to Australia.
Spoiler alert: it's not a Welshman. In fact, there's not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.
Tomos Williams Tease – The One Welshman Who Almost Made It
Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care’s Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, "I've seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He's got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there's one Welsh player to make the tour, it's him." But even that wasn’t enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.
Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park is “the best scrum-half” around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!
Smith vs Russell: English Flair Wins the 10 Battle
The surprises didn't stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England's Marcus Smith over Scotland’s Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland's Bundee Aki and England's Ollie Lawrence.
Feyi-Waboso? Yes, Please!
Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland's Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England's George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Danny Care and Mark Atkinson's Lions XV:
15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.
13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.
12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.
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