Rugby World Hotshot

October's issue of Rugby World profiles one of Scotland's rising stars - lock forward Richard Gray.

October's issue of Rugby World profiles Scotland U20 lock Richard Gray. Scotland's coaches at U20s level and above are excited by the potential of lock Richard Gray. He came through Scotland U17s, U18s and U19s to play for the U20s against Italy last spring, and then at June's U20s World Championship in Wales a year young. Gray catches the eye with his 6ft 8in, 19st 9lb frame, but there's more to him than just bulk. "He is an exceptional athlete as well," says Scotland U20s coach Colin Robertson. "He has worked very hard on his physique in the last year and is in outstanding condition. "His lineout skills are very good, he has a shrewd rugby brain, leadership skills and a first-class work ethic. We have probably never produced a physical specimen like him and we have several others who are 6ft 7in or more at the age of about 17, so Scotland could have the biggest pack we have ever had in a few years." Gray's stature may be down to the fact his mother Lorraine is 6ft tall. He took up rugby at Kelvinside Academy school and names teacher David Wilson as well as former National Academy coach Peter Wright as major influences, while his boyhood hero was England's Martin Johnson. Gray, 19, has just signed his first contract with Glasgow Warriors and says: "I hope to really get stuck in with them this year." His U20s World Cup ended unhappily when he broke his jaw in a tackle against South Africa, but he's fit again now and says: "The World Cup was fantastic. It was the first really big stage I¹ve played on and I loved it." The National Academy has honed Gray's skills, and Robertson hopes he will go all the way to the top. "He¹s an exciting prospect and we have to nurture him as much as we can." VERDICT He has the ingredients to make a top-class player.