Two shades of Gray: Richie labels brother Jonny 'an inspiration'

Ahh, brotherly love. Richie and Jonny Gray have impressed in Scotland’s second row during the Six Nations and the former has described his younger sibling as “an inspiration”.

The duo have formed a pivotal partnership in helping Vern Cotter’s side to two wins from their three matches – successes at Murrayfield over Ireland and Wales sandwiching a defeat to France in Paris.

Arguably their toughest test awaits, however, with a trip to Twickenham on Saturday to face defending champions England, who are chasing a second successive Grand Slam.

Richie Gray, five years the elder with 63 Scotland caps to his name, was effusive in his praise of Jonny, whose displays have prompted many to tip him for a place in the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand this year.

“Jonny has gone from strength to strength,” said Richie. “What I said a couple of years ago was about the need to do it consistently, but he’s been able to do it week in week out and that’s the most impressive thing.

“I’ve seen him come on as a leader. He’s grown and matured and makes me very proud.

“How has his emergence as a leader changed our relationship? Not too much. We still have our discussions about things and what we can get better at.

“We’re not really competitive. I think he wins most weeks anyway. It’s not much of a competition.

“With brothers I suppose you always want to win the battle, but we’re not too much like that. We try and help each other out as much as possible.

“I see him more as an inspiration. It’s great to see and certainly keeps me going. It gives me a standard I have to aim for. I’m just trying to keep up.”