Hawick's Carlisle-based head coach George Graham has praised sons Gary and Guy Graham as the duo prepare to link-up at Newcastle Falcons next season.

Former Scotland international George, who lives in Harraby, coached Guy at the BT Scottish Premiership outfit last term.

Flanker Guy agreed a two-year deal with the Kingston Park team in April, while older brother Gary, 25, also signed a new two-year extension after impressing in his breakthrough season.

Dad George has been impressed with how Guy performed in the 2017/18 season at Hawick after joining them from Carlisle Rugby Club last year.

But he knows it will “a life-changing experience” when Guy – currently representing Scotland at the Under-20s World Cup – joins Falcons.

“Guy has done very well,” admitted the 52-year-old.

“He did exceptionally well when he left Carlisle and moved up to Hawick, getting in the first-team right away, and actually doing well in the first-team.

“He forced his way into Scotland’s Under-20s where, unfortunately, they got beaten 27-26 at the death by Italy [in their first group stage match on Wednesday]. He was on the bench but came on and got about 15 minutes.

“He’s doing really well, and I think it is going to be a bit of a life-changing experience for him to take on professional rugby.

“Instead, of working and then going training, he is going to be training for a living. That will become his job.”

George added: “But he is fortunate because he will have his older brother, Gary, with him.

“He has been a professional for quite a few years and I’m sure he will show him the ropes.

“I expect big things from Gary, as well, because he is doing expectionally well. He has forced his way into the team and he was very lucky to be invited to train with England in January before the Six Nations.

“Unfortunately, he picked up a [neck] injury which put paid [to his chances of appearing] at that.”