Ashman, Graham and Sutherland called up to the Lions

All three have been touring the pacific with the national team and were involved in the loss against Fiji over the weekend.

Graham will join the Lions squad today while Sutherland and Ashman will join the squad in Melbourne on Sunday following Friday’s match between Scotland and Samoa.

Edinburgh Rugby winger Graham made his Scotland debut in 2018 against Wales and has scored 31 tries across 47 international caps.

Glasgow Warriors loosehead prop Sutherland made six appearances for The British & Irish Lions four years ago, including two Test appearances.

Edinburgh Rugby hooker Ewan Ashman made his Scotland debut against in November 2021 against Australia and has earned 28 caps for Scotland to date.

Scotland now have eleven players on tour, joining Scott Cummings, Huw Jones, Blair Kinghorn, Finn Russell, Pierre Schoeman, Sione Tuipulotu Duhan van der Merwe and Ben White on tour in Australia.

On his call up Darcy 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.

“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.”

Ewan Ashman said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

Rory Sutherland said: “We arrived in Auckland late last night and Gregor pulled me aside at the airport. I thought it was going to be bad news but he told me that I’ve had a call up.

“I called my wife late last night and it was quite an emotional phone call which was nice. I got to speak to my sons about it and they are ecstatic as well.

“I’m extremely excited to potentially face Samoa on Friday and then join the Lions on Sunday.”