Anti-English anthem 'holding Scotland back'

Published on Sunday 7 March 2010 21:58

ONE of the most influential figures in Scottish rugby has called for the Flower of Scotland anthem to be scrapped saying that the anti-English sentiment of the song is holding Scotland back.

Instead Jim Telfer, the coach of Scotland's last Grand Slam-winning rugby side, wants a new, more "mature" anthem.

The former Scotland and British Lions player, who is widely regarded as the most influential figure in the history of Scottish rugby, said we should "stop defining ourselves through England".

Speaking on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Scotland's historic victory over England at Murrayfield, Telfer said the song encouraged anti-English "chippiness" and should be replaced.

Telfer – whose 1990 Grand Slam winning side was the first national team to adopt Flower of Scotland – said: "We need to stop defining ourselves through England, and it would be a sign of maturity if we got ourselves a decent national anthem.

"We should change it and have something that reflects us as a mature nation, instead of talking about another country.

Back then (in 1990], it really got the crowd behind us, but I'd like to think we have moved on."

The Scotland rugby team is currently coached by Englishman Andy Robinson, and Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash will be his first in charge of the home side.