British & Irish Lion Richie Gray admits he’s itching to get back playing on the international stage after being selected in Scotland’s starting XV against Italy this weekend.
Gray, who came off the bench in the Lions’ decisive third and final Test victory over the Qantas Wallabies last July, missed Scotland’s last clash against England.
But the 24-year-old lock, whose trip Down Under last summer was his first Lions tour, is keen to make amends after Scott Johnson brought him back for the trip to Italy on Saturday.
Gray has been one of the stand-out performers in the Scotland pack since making his international debut in 2010.
And he’s desperate to avenge the 20-0 defeat to England.
“I’m delighted to be back,” he said. “I think I speak for all the players in the fact we’re looking forward to going out and putting in a performance.
“I was not involved against England but I think the guys were pretty down and they did not manage to show what they can do. So I think this weekend it’s really about showing what we can do.”
