Scotland, Ireland and Wales should be grateful to England for supplying them with ready-made Test players, according to Eddie Jones, following the decision of the Newcastle flanker Gary Graham to abandon his quest for a red rose cap and instead pursue an international career north of Hadrian’s Wall.
The Stirling-born Graham trained with England earlier this year and came close to featuring in last season’s Six Nations but has now declared for the land of his father George, who won 25 caps for Scotland between 1997 and 2002.
Jones believes it is merely the latest example of English rugby doing Scotland and other neighbouring countries a good turn. “I think England should be proud of what they do, providing players for Scotland, Wales, Ireland and whoever else. Is it a public service? Yeah, 100%.”
In recent months the former Sale back Will Addison has been picked for Ireland while the English-born Tomas Francis and Ross Moriarty are now regular members of Wales’s pack. Exeter’s Sam Skinner has just made his Scotland debut and Gloucester’s Jake Polledri has opted to represent Italy.
Jones, however, says he has absolutely no issues with the 26-year-old Graham changing his mind and opting for Scotland. “He’s a good boy. He rang me up and said he was going and I said: ‘Good luck, if that’s what you want to do, do it.’ That’s what I say to all the players. It’s a choice. If you’re desperate to play for England, you don’t go. If you’re not desperate to play for England, you go.”
Jones also confirmed he would be keeping a close eye on Ireland’s game with New Zealand in Dublin this Saturday and says he anticipates a fascinating contest between the two sides currently heading the world rankings. “New Zealand are in good physical condition; they are as fresh as they have ever been at the end of the season. Ireland have virtually all their best players in the best condition. It’s a great clash.”
