Delighted Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock hailed Alex Grove’s ‘dream’ rise to international stardom after he was named in the Scotland team to face Fiji – and added ‘it’s real Roy of the Rovers stuff’ for the Warriors centre.
Grove, 21, has been named by national boss Andy Robinson at outside centre for his first senior international when Scotland take to the field at Murrayfield on Saturday for the first autumn international.
Ruddock has spoken of his pride as Academy product was given his big international call-up and has backed his young star to take the chance with both hands.
“It’s absolutely great news to hear that Alex Grove has been selected for his first international cap for Scotland,” said Ruddock.
“This really is fantastic for him personally and for his family, who I know are over the moon to see their son get international honours.
“For us as a club it really is tremendous for us. Alex came to us as an Academy player and has been developed at Sixways under the careful guidance of Andrew Stanley, Gary Meechan and the conditioning and medical staff in the Academy.
“He has been promoted into the first team squad, as have a number of Academy players over the years, and now he has gone on to not only nail down a first team squad but also be picked by Scotland A and now win full honours.
“It has been a dream 12 months for him – it’s real Roy of the Rovers stuff – and he really is a young man with a big, big future in front of him.”
Grove will now pull on the blue of Scotland in a senior game for the first time and former Wales boss Ruddock believes the Warriors ace has all the qualities required to make the step up.
“Andy Robinson has recognised his talent with this selection and in terms of Alex’s attributes, first and foremost he is a very good footballer,” added Ruddock.
“He is a good defender and a smart defender. Alex never finds himself in the wrong position. He can read attacks very well, both in terms of being as part of a system in defence but also as an individual.
“Alex has great footwork and he never loses his opposite number, he is able to get in close and make some really good tackles and have an impact on the breakdown as well. That catches the eye and I can see why Andy Robinson has looked at his defence and realised it is up to international standard.
“Also, in terms of attack, he has got gas, has got great skills and has the ability to beat someone on the outside. His try against Leeds typified that when he drifted off the pass and went outside his opposite number. The perfect outside break for an outside centre, classical movement to take him outside the defence. Those sort of things mark him out as a very special talent.
“Alex will admit he still has little bits to add to his game, he is still only 21-years-old, so he is only going to get better.
“He will gain a lot of confidence and experience in the international fold. He will benefit and the Warriors will benefit so we wish him all the success in the world with Scotland.”