Gray links up with Scotland in Japan

Editor

Castres second-row Richie Gray is set to link up with Scotland after their 28-9 Top 14 play-off loss to Montpellier on Sunday.

The defeat means that Gray is available to play for the Scots, who will take on Japan this Saturday.

Gray's late inclusion in the squad, who are in Tokyo already, is a significant boost for the Scotland.

The 26-year-old, who will join Toulouse on a four-year deal ahead of the 2016/17 season, has made 57 appearances for his country since his debut in 2010.

Speaking ahead of the Monday's first practice session, assistant coach Matt Taylor hopes that Gray will be able to join them for Tuesday's training and be declared match fit ahead of the first Test.

"He is looking forward to it," Taylor told Sky Sports.

"We have not named the team – we will wait to see what mental and physical shape he is in. 

"He has been very good for us lately so depending on how he turns up will determine whether he comes in to consideration.

"Today's training is not a full-on session in terms of a lot of the contact, more about organisation. We have a hard session on Tuesday, when the bulk of the work will be done, and we hope he (Gray) will be involved in that."