Scotland have confirmed Richie Gray will appear at his third Rugby World Cup this autumn.
Making his Scotland debut in 2010, the towering lock currently has 75 Scotland caps to his name and as the most experienced player in Gregor Townsend’s squad, he will be hoping to make an impact in France.
Having made his return to the Scotland set-up in early 2021, here is a look at the moments that made the 33-year-old’s career.
Breaking through with Glasgow
Gray was always earmarked for big things. Standing at 208cm tall, the Rutherglen-born forward represented his country at age group level from Under-17 and even captained Scotland U20 before making his Test debut.
He made his Glasgow Warriors bow as a teenager, late on in the 2008/09 season, and quickly made an impression. Soon, he was catching the eye elsewhere.
Gray made 47 appearances in his first spell with Warriors and was named in the PRO12’s Dream Team at the conclusion of the 2010/11 season, despite his club finishing 11th in the competition.
Playing Test rugby
Like in domestic rugby, Gray took to international rugby like a duck to water. Making his debut in 2010 as a replacement against France, the forward was soon enough starting for his country.
Thanks to his sheer height, Gray was instantly a safe lineout option, while also bringing freakish athleticism to the table, making him a frightening proposition for opposition the world over.
In the space of 12 months, Gray established himself as an instant selection in the Scotland side and represented his country at the 2011 World Cup, starting games alongside Alastair Kellock and Jim Hamilton.
Playing with his brother
Not the only Gray to have excelled on the rugby field, younger brother, Jonny, has also had a handy career on the pitch. Making his Scotland debut in 2013 as a 19-year-old, the younger Gray quickly made an impression.
It took until the following year for the duo to be paired together in Test rugby, becoming the 21st set of brothers to represent Scotland in the process.
Each have gone on to win domestic and continental titles, while also having gone toe-to-toe with one another domestically in fierce sibling rivalries.
Lions selection
Pressing on with his Test career following the 2011 World Cup, Gray was selected by Warren Gatland for the British & Irish Lions’ 2013 Tour of Australia.
After a Six Nations which ended prematurely due to a hamstring injury, Gray had already established himself as one of the premiere lock forwards in the northern hemisphere in a short space of time.
Even so, this was a time in which Alun Wyn Jones and Paul O’Connell were in their pomp, making it all the harder for Test caps to come by.
Playing against the Combined Country, Brumbies, Reds and Rebels, it was not the final Test that Gray picked up that elusive cap, replacing England’s Geoff Parling in the 67th minute.
Success in France
After helping the Lions to a first series win in 26 years, Gray reset his focus on France. Signing for Castres Olympique in the Top 14, he joined a team that had just been crowned champions.
In his first season, Gray reached the final, although on this occasion it was RC Toulon that had the better of things with a 18-10 victory at the Stade de France.
After three years with Castres, Gray moved to French giants Toulouse, where he remained for four more years. His time at the Stade Ernest-Wallon included the high of a Top 14 victory in 2019, where he made an appearance off the bench to help the team to a 24-18 win over Clermont, and Scotland teammate, Greig Laidlaw.
Returning to Glasgow
After his younger brother, Jonny, departed Glasgow for pastures new with Exeter Chiefs, Gray returned to where his career started.
And the 33-year-old has reignited his career with the Warriors, churning out impressive performances in the United Rugby Championship regularly and working his way into Gregor Townsend’s Scotland plans for this World Cup in France.
Gray was in the international wilderness between 2018-2021 and it was only after a return to Scotland that he forced his way back into Townsend’s plans.
Now after having started the last eight Tests for Scotland, it is safe to say that Gray is here to stay a little while longer.
