Grayson now has Japan in his sights
THE demise of Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish has left just 10 starting fly-half spots across a congested Premiership, leaving the likes of Japan hopeful James Grayson to opt for a new challenge in a thriving domestic league.
Grayson, 25, departed his boyhood club Northampton Saints in November to pursue a playing opportunity in Japan Rugby League One with Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.
The son of 2003 World Cup-winning fly-half Paul has found his feet in the Far East making seven appearances and helping his new side secure a club record five victories in the Japanese top flight, with five games to spare.
The former England U20s playmaker originally signed on a one-year deal but has extended it for two more years in Sagamihara, with the hope of one day representing Japan down the line.
Grayson told The Rug
by Paper: “I’ve been really impressed with the standard of this league. I came into the unknown as I hadn’t watched much of the league but I knew about the high calibre of internationals over here. It’s a faster league with the ball in play fractionally higher, the only difference would be the set piece bias in the Premiership with heavier packs. The way the Dynaboars play has really suited my style as we move the ball, find space and attack with risk at the appropriate time.
“I would never shut the door on the amazing opportunity represent Japan. It is still so far away with me needing to play here for four more seasons but I’m going to put myself in the best position to play international rugby.”
Grayson spent his education at Northampton School for Boys and Moulton College before achieving his lifelong dream of representing the Saints in the first game of the 2017/18 season against Saracens.
He was awarded the club’s Young Player of the Season award at the end of that campaign and went on to make 92 appearances for Northampton, scoring nine tries and kicked 572 points off the tee but with England star Fin Smith ahead of him in the pecking order, Grayson knew game time would be limited.
“If you look at the Premiership there’s only 10 jobs to be a first choice flyhalf,” said Grayson. “Throughout the league there are a lot of international, high calibre fly-halves and there wasn’t an opportunity for me. This opportunilike ty to spread my wings has paid off and the decision to come here was driven by the chance to play more.”
Former team-mate Smith, left, has guided Northampton to the top of the Premiership table and Grayson is delighted that his former side’s potential is being reached.
He added: “They’ve been a team for the past five years that’s been full of talent and it finally looks like they’re realising that. All the boys are flying which is great to see.
“The time delay makes watching live games tricky but I always tune into the highlights. I’ve got mates at other teams so I to keep close tabs on how everyone’s getting on.
“Fin is a good lad, a good rugby player and is still so young. You never stop developing and he’s got time on his side to develop into a serious rugby player which is exciting for both Northampton and England.”