Modest Jonny Gray bagged a rare hat-trick to inspire Exeter Chiefs to a stunning 42-6 win over Montpellier Herault at the weekend, and insists he’s just delighted to be back in the team.
Chiefs were only 7-6 up at half-time in the Heineken Champions Cup Pool A clash at Sandy Park but stormed in 42 unanswered points in the second half.
A lot of that was down to the performance from the East Kilbride man, earning Gray Star of the Match as the hosts got off to a great start.
But the former Calderglen High School pupil is just happy to have recovered from shoulder surgery, and to be playing in front of fans again.
He said: “I’m somebody who is just very grateful to be back.
“The physios, the medical team, the doctors, they all looked after me really well and I’m just really thankful to them for getting me back. I got really well looked after, in getting me back up to speed.
“It was great to play, and to be back at Sandy Park, and in the last two weeks we’ve played in front of a full crowd.
“That’s the first time I’ve played in front of a full crowd since I’ve been there, after the Covid stuff.
“It was two massive wins for the club and I’m just really lucky to be a part of it.
“Last week playing against Saracens [an 18-15 win]was a huge game, going up against a team like that, with the players they have, and how good they’ve been going in the league.”
Former Glasgow Warriors captain Gray will make an emotional return to Scotstoun on Saturday as Chiefs bid to continue their Heineken Champions Cup defence, but says there are no split loyalties.
“Europe... you know how tight that competition is, how tough the teams are, with Montpellier’s squad and the depth, and you could see how tight it was, especially in that first half,” said the 27-year-old.
“To kick it off with a win is massive in Europe, especially the home games, so it was a good start.
“Montpellier was a huge challenge, and Glasgow is going to be the same.
“I know a lot of those guys really well, how talented they are, and the coaches they have, so it’s going to be a huge challenge going up there.
“It will be a weird one. Obviously it’s a very special place for me and a club that I care about a lot, with a lot of very special people there.
“But I’m down at Exeter, which is a club I care about as well, and I need to do all I can to try and get Exeter the result on Saturday.”
Gray says he’s loving life in Devon and is developing his game all the time, with Sandy Park crowds playing a huge role in his determination to recover from an injury that hampered him with Scotland.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed it since I’ve been down here, learning new things, working with new people, a new team, a new environment and coaches, I’ve learned loads.
“I know I’ve still got loads to improve on, but to get back after that injury... I’m just really happy and grateful.
“During the season, being injured and in the crowd and watching, and seeing a full crowd there was something that really motivated me, because I wanted to be a part of that.”
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