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Darcy Graham returns to sevens after eight years for GB's survival push in Bordeaux

Scotland's record try-scorer Darcy Graham has been called up by GB Sevens for this weekend's SVNS Championship event in Bordeaux, where the side must finish in the top eight to secure their place in the top tier of international sevens rugby.

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Darcy Graham returns to sevens after eight years for GB's survival push in Bordeaux
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Darcy Graham will make his first appearance on the World Series in eight years after being called up by GB Sevens for the SVNS Championship event in Bordeaux this weekend, with the side needing a top-eight finish to guarantee their place in elite-level sevens rugby.

GB Sevens, run by Scottish Rugby, sit bottom of the SVNS Championship standings following a difficult weekend in Valladolid. The call-up of Graham — Scotland’s record try-scorer and a wing who competed on the World Series from 2016 to 2018, including the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games — represents a significant boost as the squad fights to preserve their top-flight status.

“David Nucifora called and asked me if I wanted to join the boys out in Bordeaux. I’m on downtime right now but I jumped at the opportunity and I’m buzzing,” Graham said. “If I wasn’t doing this I would just be training away so I’d rather be competing at a high level.”

Graham acknowledged the challenge of returning to the shortened format after such a lengthy absence. “It’s been eight years since I was last on the world series and the game is a lot different so I’ll have to flick that switch to catch up with the rest of the boys,” he said. “There is a bit of added pressure there to finish in the top eight so it’ll be a massive weekend for me and the boys.”

The 27-year-old was reflective about the role sevens played in shaping his career. “I loved it. Scotland have missed the sevens as it gives you massive development for playing 15s. Me, Maggie [Magnus Bradbury] and George Horne have all come through that programme. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without it,” he said.

Beyond Bordeaux, Graham’s attention turns to Scotland’s summer schedule in the 15-man game, with Tests against Argentina and South Africa away from home before a home fixture against Fiji at Murrayfield. “I love playing them. It’s always a special game for me. They’re physical and you never quite know what they’re going to throw at you,” he said of the Fiji match.

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