International rugby star Gray to spend day in isles

International rugby player Richie Gray, one of the shining lights of the game in Scotland, is due to visit Shetland on Friday.

The six-foot nine-inch Glasgow Warriors lock forward, with his unmistakable shock of blond hair, has burst on the scene in the last couple of seasons with his all-action performances and is hotly tipped for a British Lions place next year.

His trip comes less than a week after his 19th cap in the disappointing 23-17 defeat to France at Murrayfield on Sunday, where the referee was criticised by Scottish coach Andy Robinson for his failure to penalise the away side for foul play.

Gray recently signed a contract with English Premiership club Sale Sharks, where he will move after the current season has ended.

During his whistle-stop visit to the isles Gray will announce the appointment of Daniel Meadows as rugby development officer for Shetland. He will drop in for fun sessions at Bell’s Brae Primary School, the Anderson High School and with Shetland Rugby Club members at Clickimin.

He will also savour a five-egg omelette at Hay’s Dock Restaurant, cooked by local stalwart of the game Mike Skinner, and be at the Holmsgarth ferry terminal to wave goodbye to the Shetland team, heading away for Saturday’s match against Aberdeen University Medics in the Caledonia Regional League Division 3 NE.