Richie Gray opted out of World Cup squad contention
- 2886
Scotland and Toulouse lock Richie Gray has made the decision to opt-out of Rugby World Cup selection, according to Scotland assistant coach Danny Wilson.
The 29-year-old lock was a surprise omission from Gregor Townsend's 44-man training squad in May and there were further questions asked on Tuesday when Tim Swinson was drafted into the squad following the injury to Sam Skinner, who was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to injury.
Gray has not featured for the Scots since the Six Nations clash with Itlay 18 months ago, with back and hip injuries ruling him out for much of that period.
However, he has since recovered from surgery on his most recent injury to help his club side lift the Top 14 title and there have been numerous calls from the public and media for his return to test rugby.
But Scotland assistant coach Danny Wilson confirmed the decision to leave Gray out the World Cup was not made by the coaching staff rather by Gray himself - who has had to juggle the birth of his son with his fitness battles in recent months.
The forwards coach said: 'Gregor has been in constant conversation with Richie. But due to family reasons and perhaps returning from injury and fitness he has decided that he could not commit to the World Cup.
'It was Richie's decision.
'From my end I really admire the player. I think he's been a great player for Scotland over the years as he is a quality rugby player.
'Timing does come into these things at times and obviously that's a personal choice which we understand from Richie.'
