Darcy Graham heading to Bordeaux after shock international call-up for Scotland's record try-scorer
Edinburgh winger ‘buzzing’ to link up with Great Britain for Sevens World Championship in France
Edinburgh and Scotland winger Darcy Graham will represent Great Britain at this weekend’s Sevens World Championship in Bordeaux, France.
The national team’s all time record try scorer says he is ‘buzzing’ to get back to playing the shortened version of the sport which helped build the foundations of his incredible career. The 28-year old spent two years lighting up the World Sevens Series between 2016 and 2018 before turning his full focus to 15s.
“David Nucifora called and asked me if I wanted to join the boys out in Bordeaux,” explained Graham. “I’m on downtime right now but I jumped at the opportunity and I’m buzzing. If I wasn’t doing this I would just be training away so I’d rather be competing at a high level.
How Rugby Sevens played a crucial role in developing current Scotland stars
“I’m excited to get back out there. It’s been eight years since I was last on the world series and the game is a lot different so I’ll have to flick that switch to catch up with the rest of the boys. There is a bit of added pressure there to finish in the top eight so it’ll be a massive weekend for me and the boys.
“Scotland have missed the sevens as it gives you massive development for playing 15s. Me, Maggie (Magnus Bradbury) and George Horne have all come through that programme.
“I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without it. You can almost use it as a third pro team to kick boys on in their career and it’s great Scottish Rugby are driving it forward.”
Ciaran Beattie, Great Britain Sevens Director of Rugby, added: “Last weekend was disappointing for both the men’s and women’s teams as we felt we were within touching distance of victory on many occasions but just fell short.
“With it being the first year of the reformed programme we’ve had some challenges but there’s been lots of signs of promise and we’re hoping to end on a high this weekend.
“Having Darcy Graham with us this week is brilliant. He is Scotland’s record try scorer and someone who has used sevens as a springboard for his career. He is an inspiration to a lot of young players in Scotland and having him out with us will make a difference.
“It’s great to have Finlay Callaghan included too. He led the Scottish Thistles so well at the Melrose Sevens and will come into the group high on confidence.”
Scotland set for summer Test matches as Darcy Graham eyes South Africa, Argentina and Fiji
Graham’s participation in the event is sure to draw a lot more eyes to the action. It also comes in the build-up to this summer’s inaugural Nations Championship fixtures in the full size version of the sport.
The Edinburgh winger confirmed he is keen to play in the Test matches against Argentina, South Africa and Fiji where he can add to his 55 caps and hopefully his 38 tries as well.
“I love playing for Scotland and always want to do my best and perform,” added Graham. “It’ll be good for us to play Fiji at Murrayfield. I love playing them. It’s always a special game for me. They’re physical and you never quite know what they’re going to throw at you.”
In terms of this weekend in Bordeaux there will also be matches with South Africa and Fiji to contend with. Team GB are also due to face Kenya in the opening stages of the tournament.
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