Wednesday 8 March 2017 16:36, UK
Scotland lock Richie Gray has called his second-row partner and younger brother Jonny an "inspiration" ahead of the Six Nations clash with England.
Toulouse second-row Richie has earned 63 caps and toured with the British and Irish Lions to Australia in 2013, something brother Jonny is looking to emulate this summer.
Having already captained Glasgow at the age of 22, Jonny was one of the names mentioned for the Scotland role after the injury to Greig Laidlaw.
With 31 caps for Scotland, Jonny has also been touted as one of the favourites for Lions squad selection this summer, and older brother Richie has given him a glowing endorsement.
"Jonny has gone from strength to strength," said Richie. "What I said a couple of years ago was about the need to do it consistently, but he's been able to do it week in week out and that's the most impressive thing.
"I've seen him come on as a leader. He's grown and matured and makes me very proud.
"How has his emergence as a leader changed our relationship? Not too much. We still have our discussions about things and [talk about] what we can get better at.
"We're not really competitive. I think he wins most weeks anyway. It's not much of a competition.
"With brothers I suppose you always want to win the battle but we're not too much like that. We try and help each other out as much as possible.
"I see him more as an inspiration. It's great to see and certainly keeps me going. It gives me a standard I have to aim for. I'm just trying to keep up."
Jonny has completed 52 tackles from 54 attempts in the Six Nations so far, a tournament high, while he has also made 35 carries in attack from Scotland's three fixtures.
Two wins at home to Ireland and Wales have put Scotland in the mix for the title heading to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, and Richie is aware of the pivotal position they find themselves in.
"It's a great position to be in," Gray added. "Obviously it's a huge match and one with a huge amount of importance. We're looking forward to it.
"We've constantly been progressing with the group of players and the staff. We have been getting better and better.
"Glasgow and Edinburgh have both been doing well in Europe and, with us having three home games this year, hopefully that all adds together to form a good championship.
"But there certainly is a lot more to come. It's a young group and we have got more things to show."
"It's a huge challenge, going down to England. They are something like 17 wins on the bounce right now. They are the second best team in the world, so it's a good contest.
"We've not won down there for a while and they are on a roll - but everyone is keen to get down there. We'll see where we are at the end."
