Jonny Gray: Scotland lock is a ‘serious’ doubt for the Rugby World Cup

Jared Wright
Scotland and Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray is a 'serious' doubt for the Rugby World Cup after sustaining an injury against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup.

Scotland and Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray is in serious doubt for the Rugby World Cup after dislocating his kneecap.

Gray sustained the injury in the 47-28 Champions Cup semi-final defeat to La Rochelle on Sunday. He looks set to miss Scotland’s Rugby World Cup campaign.

Relatively serious’

Ahead of the final round of the Premiership, Exeter Chiefs rugby director Rob Baxter revealed the severity of Gray’s injury.

“It’s relatively serious without being the worst it could be,” Baxter explained.

“From what I’ve been told, unless the operation goes exceptionally well and his recovery is exceptionally quick, I would say he is very doubtful for the World Cup.

“It’s a patella tendon injury; he’s dislocated his kneecap.

The news isn’t overwhelming bad for the experienced lock, as Baxter confirmed no major ligaments were damaged. 

“Fortunately, the other major ligaments within the knee are all stable,” he said.

“It’s a relatively complex patella tendon injury, which is going to require surgery this week, and there’s a relatively long period of rehab.

“We are hopeful to have him back fairly early next season, especially with the Premiership starting late next year with the World Cup first.”

The 29-year-old’s injury is a significant blow for Scotland. They have been drawn in the same pool as the defending champions South Africa.

They will also have to contend with the number one ranked side and 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam champions Ireland. Romania and Tonga round out Pool B. 

Gray has won 77 Test caps for Scotland and featured in all five of their Six Nations matches earlier this year.

He also represented Scotland at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, playing in seven tournament matches.

Exeter take on London Irish in Saturday’s Premiership action. Both teams are out of the race for the playoffs, but Baxter’s charges could claim fifth place, ahead of the Exiles, with a convincing bonus point victory.

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