Ashman and Graham earn British & Irish Lions call-ups

Hooker Ewan Ashman and winger Darcy Graham have both called up to the British & Irish Lions squad in Australia. The duo, currently on tour in the Pacific with the men’s Scotland national team, will join the Lions as they prepare for the upcoming Tests.

Graham will link up with the Lions squad today (Monday 14 July), making an immediate transition from the Scotland camp.

Ashman, alongside former Edinburgh prop Rory Sutherland, will join the squad in Melbourne on Sunday, following Scotland’s final match against Samoa on Friday.

Graham, who made his Scotland debut in 2018 against Wales, has been a prolific try-scorer for club and country, bagging 31 tries across his 47 international caps. His consistent form and attacking prowess have been key factors in his selection.

Reacting to his call-up, Graham said: “It’s been a whirlwind time. I just found out half an hour ago and I’ve to get straight on a flight to Australia. The last six months have been a rollercoaster of a ride for me. I’m buzzing to get called up and get out there to put my best foot forward. To be part of that team will be really special and I’m so excited.

“When I found out it was about 1.30am back home so I phoned my Mum and it kept ringing and ringing. When she finally answered she was panicking as she hadn’t a clue what was going on. They were buzzing and she woke my brothers up to tell them. It’s been some 24 hours for the family as my sister just had a baby girl.”

He also expressed his mixed emotions about leaving the Scotland tour: “I’m gutted not to be finishing the Scotland tour but all of the boys have been really supportive and they’re buzzing for me so it’s exciting times.”

Ashman described his disbelief upon hearing the news: “I got off the plane (in Auckland) and Gregor pulled me aside to tell me I’m going to be involved with the Lions. I couldn’t really believe him at the start as it’s not really hit me yet.”

Ashman is focused on his immediate commitments before fully embracing the Lions experience: “For now I just want to focus on the Samoa game this weekend. Once that is over it’ll properly hit me and I can enjoy that experience.”

The call-up also brought back fond memories for Ashman: “One of the first things I thought about was the Lions tour in 2009 when my old man got me a jersey and we watched all the games together.

“There is a picture and he’s in his navy training jersey and we’re celebrating after watching one of the games. Hopefully we can have a similar kind of celebration if I was to play for them.”