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Toulouse injury statement on Richie Gray does not bode well for Scotland


Scotland forward Richie Gray
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Richie Gray is a major doubt for Scotland’s November internationals after Toulouse confirmed the second row will undergo back surgery.

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Gray missed Scotland’s tour to Singapore, Australia and Fiji in June due to the problem and the 27-year-old is unlikely to be available for Gregor Townsend until next year.

Scotland face three home Tests in November, starting with Samoa before hosting powerhouses New Zealand and Australia.

Gray’s impending operation was confirmed by Toulouse coach Ugo Mola on Wednesday as the French club prepare for their opening Top 14 clash of the season against Oyonnax this weekend.

“Richie Gray trained earlier this week but he needs to be operated on for a back injury in the next few days,” said Mola, who did not reveal how long the club expect Gray to be sidelined.

The forward’s absence is not only a blow for Scotland but also for Toulouse as they prepare to begin the 2017-18 domestic season already without Peato Mauvaka and Julien Marchand.

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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