Behind the Thistle: Playing Rugby for Scotland

Behind the Thistle offers a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in Test match rugby, featuring the thoughts of over 180 players since 1871. It provides inside access to the changing room, tour, training ground, and battle itself, lifting the lid on post-match antics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

Behind the Thistle: A Unique Insight into the Drama and Emotion of Playing for Scotland in Test Match Rugby
Scotland's Test match rugby history is rich and storied, with over 180 players having represented the country since the inaugural Test match in 1871. Behind the Thistle, a comprehensive and exhaustively researched tome by David Barnes and Peter Burns, offers a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in this most rarefied of environments.

The book provides inside access to more than 150 years of private moments in the changing room, on tour, on the training ground, during the tumultuous heat of battle itself, and lifts the lid on numerous post-match antics. It is the story of what it is really like to play for Scotland, revealing the sacrifices and joys experienced by those who have shed blood, sweat, and tears in pursuit of glory in the navy blue jersey.

The book begins with a brief history of Scottish rugby, tracing the development of the sport from its early days to the present day. It then delves into the experiences of individual players, from the early pioneers to the modern-day stars. Each player's story is told in their own words, providing a personal and intimate perspective on their time with Scotland.

One of the key themes of the book is the pressure and expectation that comes with playing for Scotland. The players are constantly under scrutiny from the media, fans, and their own teammates, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. Barnes and Burns highlight the mental and physical toll that playing at the highest level can take, and the sacrifices that players make to achieve their goals.

The book also explores the camaraderie and teamwork that are essential to success in rugby. The players are a close-knit group, and their relationships off the field are just as important as their performances on it. Barnes and Burns provide examples of the bonds that are formed between players, and how these relationships can help them overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

In addition to the personal stories, Behind the Thistle also provides a detailed analysis of the tactics and strategies used in Test match rugby. The authors explain the importance of set-piece play, scrummaging, and line-out play, and how these elements can be used to gain an advantage over the opposition. They also discuss the role of individual players in the team, and how their skills and abilities can be utilized to create opportunities for the team.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the insight it provides into the post-match antics of the players. Barnes and Burns describe the celebrations, the parties, and the antics that take place after a match, and how these events can help to build team spirit and camaraderie. They also highlight the importance of sportsmanship and respect, and how these values are upheld by the players.

Behind the Thistle is a must-read for any fan of Scottish rugby, and for anyone who is interested in the sport of rugby in general. It provides a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in Test match rugby, and it will leave you with a greater appreciation for the sacrifices and joys experienced by those who have played for the country.

In conclusion, Behind the Thistle: A Unique Insight into the Drama and Emotion of Playing for Scotland in Test Match Rugby is a comprehensive and exhaustively researched tome that offers a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in this most rarefied of environments. It provides inside access to more than 150 years of private moments in the changing room, on tour, on the training ground, during the tumultuous heat of battle itself, and lifts the lid on numerous post-match antics. It is the story of what it is really like to play for Scotland, revealing the sacrifices and joys experienced by those who have shed blood, sweat, and tears in pursuit of glory in the navy blue jersey. Whether you are a fan of Scottish rugby or just interested in the sport of rugby in general, this book is a must-read.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913538224
Edition number: New Edition