"Arrogant" Brian Moore plays down Scottish past glory

Tuesday 19 January 2010
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International Rugby > Scotland

It was a momentous moment for Scottish rugby fans, but Brian Moore has suggested the 1990 Grand Slam was more to do with politics than the Scots' actions on the pitch.

The former England hooker claimed in his new autobiography - Beware the Dog - that hatred of Margaret Thatcher created an atmosphere that heaped pressure on the visiting players at Murrayfield.

Because the poll tax and general anti-English bigotry were causing a stir, he asserted, the Scottish team used the crowd to make England uncomfortable.

However, ex-Scotland forwards coach Jim Telfer hit back at Moore, noting that with two sides going for the Grand Slam there was "enough edge without any politics".

"He likes to give this view as a pitbull terrier," said Telfer of Moore. "He speaks his mind but he is quite arrogant."

Last week, Moore told the Guardian that he is taking a refereeing course in order to be able to back up his words when he criticises officials in the commentary box.

Posted by Amy Nicholson