Scotland's flying winger Darcy Graham is set to make his long-awaited return to international rugby this summer, with the electrifying Edinburgh star targeting the clash against the United States for his comeback after a torrid injury spell.
The 26-year-old dynamo has been sidelined since Scotland's Six Nations opener against Wales in February, missing the entire championship campaign and Edinburgh's crucial end-of-season matches. Graham underwent quadriceps surgery that has kept him off the pitch for nearly four months.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
"I'm getting there," Graham revealed with cautious optimism. "I've started running outside now, which is a massive step forward. The USA game in July is definitely the target."
The Hawick-born speedster has been putting in the hard yards at Edinburgh's training base, gradually building up his fitness with controlled running sessions and intensive rehabilitation work.
Frustrating Spell on the Sidelines
Graham's absence has been keenly felt by both club and country. The prolific try-scorer was in devastating form before his injury, having crossed the whitewash an incredible 14 times in his last 10 international appearances.
"It's been tough watching from the stands," Graham admitted. "You never want to be injured, especially during big tournaments. But these things happen in rugby, and all you can do is focus on your recovery."
Summer Internationals Beckon
Scotland's summer schedule presents the perfect opportunity for Graham to ease back into international rugby:
- July 12: Canada vs Scotland (Ottawa)
- July 19: USA vs Scotland (Washington DC)
- July 26: Chile vs Scotland (Santiago)
The match against the Eagles in Washington DC's 20,000-seat Audi Field appears to be the ideal fixture for Graham's return, offering competitive rugby without the immediate pressure of a Six Nations decider.
What Graham Brings Back to the Side
When fit, Graham is one of Scotland's most potent attacking weapons. His combination of blistering pace, elusive footwork, and clinical finishing has terrorised defences across international and club rugby.
His return couldn't come at a better time for Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, who will be looking to build momentum ahead of next season's international campaigns.
For Edinburgh fans and Scottish rugby supporters alike, the sight of Darcy Graham back in full flight will be a welcome one indeed. The wait appears to be nearly over.
