Featuring the thoughts of 175 players who have represented Scotland since the very first Test match in 1871, Behind the Thistle gives a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in that most rarefied of environments - Test match rugby. From the very first game all the way through to the present day, David Barnes, Peter Burns and John Griffiths delve to the heart of Scottish rugby as Scotland's greatest players recount the ecstasy of victory and the despair of defeat, colouring their stories with humorous anecdotes and heart-warming memories.

Author Biography

David Barnes is a freelance journalist who specialises in rugby. Having been forced to retire from the game because of a knee injury he has covered club, pro-team and international rugby for Scotland on Sunday, the Sunday Herald, Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. He is the co-author of Behind the Thistle: Playing Rugby for Scotland. Peter Burns is the editor for Arena Sport and author of Behind the Thistle: Playing Rugby for Scotland, Behind the Ryder Cup: The Players' Stories, White Gold: England's Journey to World Cup Glory and also a co-author of Behind the Lions: Playing Rugby for the British & Irish Lions.