‘Fighter’ Graham will bounce back from Lions hurt

Darcy Graham is a “fighter” who will bounce back from missing out on selection for the British and Irish Lions, according to Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt.

Eight Scots were selected in Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad for this summer’s tour to Australia, but the omission of Graham was a surprise to many.

Everitt says the 27-year-old – who has been in fine form in the URC and in European games after missing a chunk of the Six Nations – was upset but insists that his chance will come again.

“He’s obviously disappointed,” the Edinburgh coach said. “I did tell him that he’s young enough to make the next one. His opportunity will come.

“He’s a fighter. It wasn’t an easy year for him with the injuries that he had. He came back flying and that’s the type of guy he is.

Graham’s Edinburgh team-mates Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe will be heading to Australia with the Lions this summer.

And with injury replacements playing a significant role in previous Lions tours, Everett has impressed on Graham, back row Jamie Ritchie and lock Grant Gilchrist – among others – the importance of staying sharp and ready in case that call comes.

“There’s a lot of rugby to be played between now and the Lions trip,” Everitt said.

“More than likely, there’ll be one or two guys that drop out because of injuries and then the door opens.

“You don’t know who they’re going to select next. There’s certain areas within that squad that are thin, so there could be more than just one guy putting his hand up.