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Behind the Thistle

Playing Rugby for Scotland
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Behind the Thistle offers an unparalleled glimpse into over 150 years of Scotland's rugby heritage, featuring reflections from more than 180 players since the first Test match in 1871. Authors Peter Burns and David Barnes delve deep into the intimate moments within changing rooms, tours, training grounds, and the thrill of Test match battles, revealing the true experience of donning the navy blue jersey.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for rugby enthusiasts, particularly those with an interest in Scottish rugby history and personal player stories from the nation’s Test matches.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Featuring the thoughts of more than 180 players who have represented Scotland since the very first Test match in 1871 all the way through to the present day,Behind the Thistlegives a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in that most rarefied of environments Test match rugby.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Featuring the thoughts of more than 180 players who have represented Scotland since the very first Test match in 1871 all the way through to the present day, 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.

In this exhaustively researched tome, David Barnes and Peter Burns provide 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 lift the lid on numerous post-match antics.

This 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.

Series: Behind the Jersey

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  • Behind the Rose
    This is a complete history of the England rugby union team, told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the England team through exclusive interviews with a vast array of Test match stars from before the Second World War to the present day, world-renowned rugby writers Stephen Jones and Nick Cain...
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    This is a complete history of the Welsh rugby union team told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the Wales team and interviews with a vast array of Test match players and coaches from the Second World War to the present day, Ross Harries delves to the very heart of...
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  • Behind the Thistle
    Featuring the thoughts of more than 180 players who have represented Scotland since the very first Test match in 1871 all the way through to the present day, 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. In this exhaustively researched tome, David Barnes...
    Paperback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Scotsman praises the book for taking readers as close to the action as possible without stepping onto the pitch. Stephen Jones of the Sunday Times calls it "weighty in all respects" with rich reminiscences from Scottish rugby legends. The Sunday Herald describes it as a "gem of a book," mixing comic, poignant, and spine-tingling anecdotes. Bill Lothian from the Evening News highlights its fascinating insight and contemporary sporting gossip, while Alan Pearey of Rugby World commends it as a terrific read for rugby fans.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781913538224

Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 June 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polaris Publishing Limited

Edition: New Edition

Illustration: Plates, black and white; Plates, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 195.0mm

Weight: 488g

Pages: 400

About the Author

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 ofBehind 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.

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