Gray a doubt for Rugby World Cup

By Mark Stevens
3/5/23

Scotland lock Jonny Gray is a major doubt for this summer's Rugby World Cup after dislocating his kneecap, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed.

The 77-capped international sustained the injury during the first half of Sunday's 47-28 Heineken Champions Cup semi-final defeat to La Rochelle in Bordeaux.

Speaking in his midweek press conference ahead of Exeter's final Premiership game of the season away at London Irish on Saturday, Baxter provided a medical update on his second row.

He said: “It’s relatively serious without being the worst it could be. 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. Fortunately the other major ligaments within the knee are all stable. 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 2023/24 Premiership season is due to get underway on the weekend of October 14 which is the quarter-final stages of the World Cup. Gray was expected to be a key member of Gregor Townsend's Scotland squad who start their campaign in Pool B against defending champions South Africa in Marseille on September 10, before facing Ireland, Romania and Tonga.

Baxter confirmed Chiefs suffered no other injuries during the bruising encounter in Bordeaux at the weekend.