'My worst day in rugby' - new Edinburgh fly-half recalls memorable England defeat and battling future friends

James Grayson was part of the England team that travelled to Myreside in the 2018 Under-20s Six Nations Championship and fell to a 24-17 defeat. Stevie Scott’s side put in an inspired second half performance where a double from Finlay Richardson secured a memorable Scotland victory.

Many future senior internationals for both countries were in action that day including Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall and Rory Darge while scrum-half Ben White was amongst the replacements for the visitors before he switched allegiances. Grayson was also on the bench but starting for Scotland that day was Ross Thomson who he will now compete with for the 10 jersey at the Hive.

“I’m sure he’ll remember that, I’m not sure if he remembers me” - James Grayson recalls facing new Edinburgh teammate

“I was on the bench for England under-20s and got two minutes at full-back in a loss,” explained Grayson. “It was disappointing, my mum and dad had paid £600 to come up on the train and stay in Edinburgh and they weren't pleased that I didn't really get much impact in the game.

“Scottish teams are pretty hard-working, tough to play against, and it was definitely that. Ross Thomson was playing at ten that day, so we've crossed paths before.

“I'm sure he'll remember that because Scotland weren't doing great at that point for the under-20s. They hadn't won in their last five or six games and then they turned England over.

“I'm not sure if he remembers me because I didn't have much impact on the game that day but I'm sure he remembers the game, yeah he'll definitely remember that one. It was an all-out brawl.

“Our England under-20s team was really good, we won every other game in the Six Nations. We ended up runners-up in the Under-20s World Championships in France.

“It was a really strong squad and that was the only game we lost in the Six Nations. I'm not sure they'll let us forget it.”

Another future teammate who Grayson crossed paths with that day was Scotland hooker and captain Robbie Smith. The then Glasgow Warriors forward would sign with Northampton Saints in 2022 where he and the fly-half ended up forming a lasting bond off the pitch.

“I'm good friends with Robbie,” added Grayson. “He came to my wedding a couple of weeks back. He played that day as well."

“Over the years we've become really close. Jess [Grayson’s wife] is really close with his partner as well. We've got a nice friendship there.

“One of the lonely Scots down in England, but he's doing well. He's a good player and a good man."

Despite the Scottish capital being the scene of one of the worst days in his career, Grayson had no qualms about moving there and signing with Sean Everitt’s side, saying: “We got to spend a little bit of time here when we played that game and the city's beautiful. Just a hell of a place to live and a really, really cool place to play rugby.

“We haven't had loads of time to go out and about but next week, we'll definitely go and sample a few of the Fringe comedy acts and see how we get on. I hear it's a bit hit and miss, so I'll give you a review next time."

James Grayson was speaking ahead of Friday's ticket on-sale for Edinburgh Rugby's 1872 Cup match against Glasgow Warriors, taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this December. Get your tickets at edinburghrugby.org from 2pm this Friday.

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