Gregor Townsend sheds light on why Jonny Gray declined Scotland recall

Gregor Townsend revealed Jonny Gray declined the opportunity to return to the Scotland squad for the autumn Tests.

The 30-year-old lock won the most recent of his 77 caps in March 2023 before a serious knee injury ruled him out for the whole of last season.

Gray joined Bordeaux from Exeter in the summer and has been playing regularly in France this term, but does not feel ready to return to the international arena next month.

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“Yes, that’s a bit disappointing from our perspective,” said Townsend. “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.”

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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.”

Gray’s brother Richie was another notable omission from the 45-man squad for the November Tests against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia as he prepares to complete a transfer from Glasgow to Japan next month.

That move will effectively rule the 35-year-old lock out of consideration for selection in future and all but end his international career.

“Richie was certainly in the discussions (for the autumn squad), we know he was available,” said Townsend. “He’s not played for the last two or three weeks, so really it’s a form decision and we’re conscious that’s him not going to be available for us after this period.

“Players that are deserving on form, that’s the ones we look to select, but we know these players are also going to use this experience to be better come next Six Nations and into the following seasons.”