Scotland star Jonny Gray warmed up for the Guinness Six Nations with a try-scoring display for Exeter Chiefs as they beat Worcester Warriors in the Premiership on Saturday.
Lock Gray crossed for the opening score of the game at Sixways and also played a key role in his side’s third try, gaining valuable yards to help set up a score for Ollie Devoto.
Gray’s international skipper Stuart Hogg played the full 80 minutes as he came through his return from injury unscathed.
The full-back, in action for the first time since Boxing Day, played his part in the Chiefs’ second try, finished by Ian Whitten, and will now turn his attentions to the mouthwatering Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham next weekend.
Another player making an eagerly-awaited return from injury was Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong, who lined up for his first match in 11 months as Leinster overcame Scarlets in the Guinness PRO14.
Furlong played the first half before being replaced at the break and, having been named in Andy Farrell’s squad, will hope to feature in his country’s opener against Wales next weekend.
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Five of Italy’s squad got valuable minutes under their belts for Benetton against Munster, with Tommaso Allan slotting a brace of penalties for the Lions.
Juan Ignacio Brex, Callum Braley, Marco Riccioni and Federico Ruzza also played for the hosts, who were moments away from claiming a first victory of the season only to be denied by JJ Hanrahan’s dramatic late drop goal.
