Jonny Gray"s joy at joining brother Richie in Scotland rugby squad

Rugby rising star Jonny Gray admits teaming up with brother Richie in the Scotland squad is a dream come true.

The 19-year-old, from Stewartfield, was called into the senior team’s 41-man training squad for the Autumn Test series by interim Scotland head coach, Scott Johnson, last week.

And as well as linking up with his elder brother, Jonny is on the brink of creating Scottish rugby history.

Should

he feature in any of the November matches against Japan, South Africa and Australia at Murrayfield , he will become the first teenage forward to pull on a dark blue jersey since Hamish Inglis in 1951.

But

the Glasgow Warriors youngster is not getting carried away and is still

coming to terms with the fact he is training alongside his heroes.

Jonny told the News: “This is a massive moment for me and it’s a real honour to be called-up for my country.

“It was a surprise to be included in the squad, but I’m very proud to be here and I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

“Making

history is not something I’ve really thought about, I’ve got a lot of hard work to do before I can think about actually playing.

“Just

being here as part of the squad is very surreal. When I’ve gone out to train I look around and I’m working with guys I watched play when I was kid and wanted to be like, so it’s hard to take it all in.

“Being

in the squad with Richie is like a dream and it’s been great to catch up with him because I’ve not seen in him in a good few months.

“He’s been away with the (British and Irish) Lions and playing club rugby in France, but he’s very happy for me.

“Richie’s

been telling me some stories from his time with the Lions and what I can expect because he’s been through all this before. It’s great to have

his support.

“There are some fantastic players in the squad and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity.”

Second

row star Jonny has impressed in recent months with his performances for

the Warriors in both the Heineken Cup and in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 league.

Earlier this season,

he also captained his country in the Under-20 Six Nations, leading his team to victory against Italy and Ireland.

And

Jonny, who has a full-time three-year contract with Warriors, believes that experience can stand him in good stead for a senior debut.

“The Heineken Cup and the Rabo games have been a great experience and a real honour to play in,” he said.

“I’ve

got good mentors at the Warriors like Al Kellock, who is also in the Scotland squad, and he’s been giving me loads of tips and advice. He’s a

great guy to learn from.

“There’s

some massive games coming up and to be a part of it would be incredible. Some great players will be on show, but I know it will take a

lot of work and hard graft to get a chance.”

Jonny’s Stewartfield-based family will be keeping their fingers crossed that both their boys will play alongside each other.

For mum Lorraine, dad Douglas, sister Megan and step-dad Gordon, it will be a very proud moment.

But Jonny admits his gran, Jean Walker, is one of his biggest fans.

“My

gran’s amazing,” he said. She’s been the one who has always told me if you want to make something of yourself, you have to work really hard for

it.

“She’s been a huge influence on me and Richie growing up, so she’s delighted for us.

“The whole family are really proud and it’s been a great week for all of us.”

Scotland

play Japan on November 9, followed by matches with South Africa on November 17 and Australia on November 23. Tickets are on sale via the SRU website www.scottishrugby.org/autumntests.

Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-scotlands-injured-cross-miss-rest-south-africa-190721921.html

Jonny Gray"s joy at joining brother Richie in Scotland rugby squad