Jim Tefler stands firm on his controversial view that Scotland ought to display maturity by ditching their national anthem.
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Nevertheless, this Saturday will witness a proud rendition of "Flower of Scotland" as Scotland gears up for their much-anticipated Six Nations Calcutta Cup clash against England at Twickenham.
Tefler, despite his past role with the Scottish team, has once again emphasized his position on the anthem, a song that harks back to Scotland's historic triumph over English forces at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
"Back then [in 1990], it really got the crowd behind us, but I’d like to think we have moved on..." he told the Times.
"Flower of Scotland is a great song in a way and it does get the hairs on your neck straightening and standing up.
"But because it’s against another country, I still don’t think it’s the ideal anthem. People sing that song, sing about the English, and it’s just in the moment."
Three legendary players scrapped as pundits by BBC, younger talent hired
Heading into 2025, Gabby Logan will be leading the BBC’s coverage, with analysis and co-commentary coming from Sam Warburton, Martin Johnson, John Barclay, Jonathan Davies, and Chris Paterson. Dylan Hartley and Sergio Parisse will also feature across the broadcaster’s content.
Nigel Owens will provide analysis on officiating, and Sonja McLaughlan and Lee McKenzie will provide pitchside reporting.
Meanwhile, Andrew Cotter will lead its commentary, with Gareth Rhys Owen, Alastair Eykyn and Sara Orchard on highlights commentary.
SCRAPPED BBC PUNDITS:
#1. Andy Nicol
Tin 2023, former Scotland international Andy Nicol confirmed the Scotland game against Wales will be last match working for the broadcaster.
He wrote: "After 20 years with @BBCSport the Scotland v Wales game on Saturday will be my last on TV. It’s been a total privilege to work for the BBC on the @SixNationsRugby for so long. Thank you!:
#2. Brian Moore
"My England career began with a Calcutta Cup, and my BBC co-comms career on the Men's 6 Nations will end on Saturday with another," Moore said on Twitter in 2022.
"Thank you to all at BBC Sport, especially my mate, Eddie Butler. It's been a privilege to work on some unforgettable sporting occasions.”
He added: “I’m pleased to say I will be working on the Women’s 6 Nations coverage. My commitment to women’s rugby goes back as far as 1991, helping the England forwards. Women’s rugby is the key to sustaining all rugby long term, and I’m proud to still be involved.”
#3. Jeremy Guscott
The former England centre will no longer feature in the coverage, which he has been a part of since the turn of the millennium, having decided to focus on other business interests.
#4. John Inverdale
Anchorman Invrdale has also retired from the BBC’s slimmed-down production, with the terrestrial broadcaster now showing just one game per weekend.
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