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STV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Murrayfield anthem mix-up that sparked worldwide stadium trend recalled
Scottish Rugby has revealed the singing of an a cappella second verse of Flower Of Scotland at international matches began with a 'mistake' that initially led one member of staff to fear she would lose her job. On the 100th anniversary of Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby explained that what has now become a worldwide stadium trend began with a mix-up between event organisers and musicians ahead of a 2008 Six Nations clash between Scotland and France. Scottish Rugby events lead Julie Beels, who was then working as a freelance entertainment producer at the stadium, said the misunderstanding which led the pipe band to stop playing mid-way through the anthem happened during a sound check ahead of the match. 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job,' the 39-year-old said. 'We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match. 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done'. 'But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. 'Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' Ms Beels, who was 21 at the time, added: 'It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. 'It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing'.' The anthem did not inspire a win that day – a Jason White-skippered Scotland fell 27-6 to Les Bleus – but the atmosphere it created proved unforgettable. PA Media Chris Paterson, centre, said the anthem that day had been 'special'. Initially the a cappella version was kept only for major games with sell-out crowds, but it has now become a permanent fixture at the ground, with visiting teams and even football crowds adopting the idea. Videos of the Murrayfield anthem have become an online sensation, racking up millions of views on sites like YouTube. The idea has also been replicated in sports around the world, from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby. Scotland record points-scorer Chris Paterson, who was part of the squad that day, said it had been a 'special' moment. 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,' he said. 'I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused, but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. 'I then assumed it must have been deliberate. Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it's special. It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. 'It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' Scottish Rugby is calling on supporters to share their memories of the national stadium to mark its centenary, which will be celebrated during this year's Quilter Nations Series. Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga on consecutive weekends, with the All Blacks clash on Saturday November 8 being earmarked as the centenary test. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's director of stadium development and operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments – from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years – whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see.' To submit your Murrayfield Memory, visit Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The Murrayfield anthem mix-up that sparked worldwide stadium trend
Scottish Rugby events lead Julie Beels, who was then working as a freelance entertainment producer at the stadium, said the misunderstanding which led the pipe band to stop playing mid-way through the anthem happened during a sound check ahead of the match. 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job,' the 39-year-old said. 'We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match. 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done'. 'But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. 'Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' Julie Beels, Event Lead, Scottish Rugby (Image: SNS Group) Ms Beels, who was 21 at the time, added: 'It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. 'It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing'.' The anthem did not inspire a win that day – a Jason White-skippered Scotland fell 27-6 to Les Bleus – but the atmosphere it created proved unforgettable. Initially the a cappella version was kept only for major games with sell-out crowds, but it has now become a permanent fixture at the ground, with visiting teams and even football crowds adopting the idea. Videos of the Murrayfield anthem have become an online sensation, racking up millions of views on sites like YouTube. The idea has also been replicated in sports around the world, from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby. Scotland record points-scorer Chris Paterson, who was part of the squad that day, said it had been a 'special' moment. READ MORE: 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,' he said. 'I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused, but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. 'I then assumed it must have been deliberate. Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it's special. It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. 'It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' Chris Paterson, former Scotland rugby captain. (Image: SNS Group / SRU) Scottish Rugby is calling on supporters to share their memories of the national stadium to mark its centenary, which will be celebrated during this year's Quilter Nations Series. Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga on consecutive weekends, with the All Blacks clash on Saturday November 8 being earmarked as the centenary test. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's director of stadium development and operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments – from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years – whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see.'
Scotsman
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Inside knowledge, attack blueprint, attitude - expert's guide to how Edinburgh can upset star-studded Bulls
'Big chance' in Everitt's team could make all the difference in South Africa Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh have faced the Bulls twice this season and there has been little between the sides. In fact, the aggregate score stands at 50-50. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When the pair meet for a third time on Saturday in the URC play-offs it is the Bulls who will have home advantage but Chris Paterson believes Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt's intimate understanding of the opposition can help swing the quarter-final tie in their favour. Canan Moodie of Vodacom Bulls is tackled by Edinburgh's Ross Thompson during the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final at Hive Stadium on April 12. | Getty Images 'I think Sean Everett's knowledge of the South African players, the South African system, has been really important,' said the Edinburgh and Scotland great. 'Sean seems to have a really good understanding of the South African game and I think that Edinburgh's performances against South African teams have been pretty good, with the obvious exception of the Lions match early in the season.' Big change in Edinburgh after nadir in Joburg That was the nadir of their campaign; a 55-21 loss in Johannesburg which prompted much soul-searching within the camp. It hasn't all been plain sailing since - the home defeat by Zebre was another low point - but Edinburgh have been a more durable outfit since that loss in February, particularly in recent weeks as they secured the back-to-back bonus-point wins over Connacht and Ulster they needed to make the play-offs for the first time in three years. 'I've seen a big change in Edinburgh,' said Paterson, who will be working as an analyst for Premier Sports' coverage of the Bulls quarter-final. 'Even in games they've lost there's a shape and an attitude, and there's a desire and a hunger. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If somebody was going to beat them, they were going to have to do well to beat them. I think that stemmed from the Zebre game at home. I think that almost forced Edinburgh into playing knockout-style rugby in every game, so it really focused the mind. It basically meant there was a consequence to everything. Every training session, every performance, every result. 'So from the middle of March, it was like all or nothing and I think that extra pressure actually brought the best out of them. I think their attacks looked really good, well balanced, and I think Wes [Goosen] and Darcy [Graham] have been brilliant. Players like Jamie Ritchie have been outstanding as well, as has Magnus Bradbury, so the components are there. Jamie Ritchie of Edinburgh challenges Sergeal Petersen of Vodacom Bulls during the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final. | Getty Images 'In a strange way, it's brought - not the best because I think there's more to come from Edinburgh - but it's brought a real hard edge. And they'll need to be at their best this weekend to progress because I think the Bulls are a top, top side.' The two Bulls game-changers who threaten Edinburgh Everitt has stressed the need for accuracy and discipline in what is likely to be a hostile environment at Loftus Versfeld. There is an expectation among the Bulls support that the club will atone for last year's shock home defeat by Glasgow Warriors in the URC final. Edinburgh will also have to cope with the altitude and warm weather but no rival coach knows the Bulls better than Everitt who is good friends with their coach Jake White and who worked with them prior to his appointment in Scotland in 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Sean knows their structures,' said Paterson. 'He knows what we're trying to do because he was a part of it 18 months ago. But it's a massive challenge playing at Loftus, of course it is. If you look at the two games Edinburgh have played against the Bulls this year, it's one home win each and the aggregate score is 50-all, so there's not a lot between them. Bulls head coach Jake White, left, and his Edinburgh counterpart Sean Everitt are good friends. | Getty Images 'The game in round two was disappointing for Edinburgh because they were actually leading after the hour mark and they got turned over on the Bulls' line and the Bulls went the length and scored what turned out to be the decisive try. I think the Bulls are better now than they were then.' In a talented squad, Paterson picks out Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux as two who can be game-changers for the Bulls. Moodie, the lavishly gifted Springboks centre, made a massive impact off the bench against Edinburgh last month, and the home team endured some nervy moments as a 31-7 lead after 45 minutes was whittled down to 34-28. Willie le Roux, right, is a wily operator for the Bulls. | Getty Images 'He made a big difference,' said Paterson. 'And Willie le Roux didn't play that day, but he's really important in terms of their kick strategy. When it comes to knockout rugby, he's got so much nous and understanding and can be really quite clinical with his left foot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh know how to trouble Bulls' defence 'And if the Bulls want to try to strangle you and play a kicking game and try and turn you over at the lineout and maul you then they're built for that. But then they've also got guys like Canan Moodie who did make a massive impact in the last game. 'It's a star-studded team playing at home, so Edinburgh will be underdogs. But the first half of that game against the Bulls was, I think, a really good blueprint for Edinburgh in terms of attack and moving the ball quickly, getting numbers in the line. Matt Currie had a couple of really good line breaks and James Lang scored a couple of early tries. 'It seemed to be the biggest concern for the Bulls that day was their defence, so it's be interesting to see if they change the defence or change personnel because Edinburgh seemed to find space. Rather than take the direct route against a team that's physically bigger than you, Edinburgh were prepared to put two or three bodies at the line and then deliver a late pass, try and find an edge to give you a quick ball. And I thought Edinburgh executed that pretty well. Former Scotland international Chris Paterson will be on duty for Premier Sports as they cover the Bulls v Edinburgh. | ©INPHO/Tom Maher 'So although the second half will have encouraged the Bulls and make Edinburgh aware, that first 45 minutes for Edinburgh were excellent. And I hope Saturday's match lives up to that because that was a cracking game.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
These are best players to have never gone on a Lions tour
Whenever we discuss British and Irish Lions selections down the years, often there will be some mutterings about those players who somehow just never got the chance to tour. For example, Caelan Doris's untimely injury means that he misses out for the second tour in a row. Will he eventually get his chance? This is a XV of players who never did get to tour. 15. Chris Paterson (Scotland) A haul of 809 points in 109 Tests, placing him just behind a Lions hero in Leigh Halfpenny, represents an impressive career by any standards. A tour or two would have enriched it, of course, and Paterson's longevity meant he would have been in selection conversations in 2001, 2005 and 2009. 14. Simon Geoghegan (Ireland) 'I like hitting people as hard as I can,' said Geoghegan in a 1993 interview. 'It is psychologically very demoralising and makes them think twice.' How about that for a soundbite? Pacey, evasive and ferociously committed, Geoghegan was overlooked for that year's tour and scuppered by arthritis in his toe four years later when a place was held for him. That ailment hastened the end of his playing days. 13. Ralph Knibbs (England) Knibbs did not represent England beyond under-23 level and on the sevens scene, so can count as something of a left-field selection in this line-up. He turned down England's tour of South Africa in 1984 because of his opposition to apartheid and opted out of a trip to Australia and Fiji four years later due to his work commitments for an estate agency. Knibbs became a stalwart of Bristol, amassing well over 400 appearances, and was revered for his silky skills and poise on the ball. 12. Mike Tindall (England) A foot injury in 2005, either side of knee issues in 2001 and 2009; Lions years were not kind to Tindall. World Cup glory will have eased any pain, of course, though he would have been an enthusiastic tourist. 11. Jonny May (England) May will stay at second on the all-time list of England try-scorers, behind only Rory Underwood, for some time. He plundered 24 of his 36 Test tries between the start of the 2017-18 season and the end of the 2020-21 campaign, peaking between two Lions tours. 10. George Ford (England) Ford responded to his latest setback, having also been disappointed in 2017 and 2021, with a performance full of sumptuous moments for Sale Sharks against Leicester Tigers. A playmaker of undisputed class with 99 England caps, he could not be begrudged a call-up at some stage. At 32, he has plenty left to offer. 9. Peter Stringer (Ireland) An icon of the Heineken Cup thanks to his exploits for Munster, Stringer won 98 caps owing largely to rapid, accurate service. He was prominent for Ireland during both the 2001 and 2005 Six Nations and even appeared during the 2009 edition, yet could not crack a Lions squad. Neither could Danny Care, who is in his effective role as a finisher for this team. 1. Trevor Woodman (England) Woodman and Tindall are the only two members of the England side that started the 2003 World Cup final not to have toured with the Lions. Having only really established himself as a starter under Clive Woodward in the build-up to that tournament, Woodman would not play another Test after 2004 due to injury. 2. Dylan Hartley (England) Suspension in 2013, for allegedly branding referee Wayne Barnes as a 'f------ cheat' during the Premiership final between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers, derailed Hartley's best chance of becoming a Lion. Rory Best replaced him when an 11-week ban was handed down. Hartley captained England in Argentina four years later, having been overlooked by Warren Gatland. 3. Mike Ross (Ireland) Priding himself on set-piece solidity, Ross won two Six Nations titles as well as back-to-back Heineken Cup triumphs for Leinster in 2011 and 2012. He went to two World Cups, in 2011 and 2015, on the way to 61 caps. The 2013 Lions tour would have been his best shot, but Matt Stevens was appointed to back up Adam Jones and Dan Cole. 4. Joe Launchbury (England) At his best, Launchbury halted opposition mauls and propelled scrums from the engine room while marauding around the pitch. His tap-tackle on Rob Kearney in 2014 at Twickenham was extraordinary and he would have been a worthy Lion. Having missed the 2013 and 2017 tours, though, he ruptured knee ligaments in April of 2021. 5. Alastair McHarg (Scotland) Rangy and abrasive yet mobile and immensely skilful, McHarg was celebrated for the timing of his line-out jumping and labelled as a rather unorthodox lock. Though the Lions would elude him, he did represent the Barbarians and totted up 44 Scotland caps. 6. Dai Morris (Wales) Nicknamed 'Shadow' by the great Gareth Edwards on account of his instinctive and tireless support play, Morris, a reluctant flyer, was one of the few members of Wales's 1971 Grand Slammers not to tour New Zealand with the Lions. Renowned as being unflinchingly tough yet unfailingly fair, he earned 34 caps between 1967 and 1974 as well as making more than 400 career appearances for Neath. He was awarded an MBE in 2018. 7. David Leslie (Scotland) Integral to Scotland's Five Nations clean sweep in 1984, Leslie had been omitted from the Lions squad the previous year on account of Jim Telfer's concern that New Zealand openside Graham Mourie would get the better of him. Telfer still rated Leslie as perhaps the best player he ever coached and offered up this immortal tribute to The Rugby Paper in 2014: 'All really good sides need a nutter in their pack and when your nutter is also a Scottish public schoolboy you really are quids-in because, let me tell, you they are the maddest of the mad, the bravest of the brave.' 8. Anthony Foley (Ireland) Intuitive but unflashy, Foley was – and remains – another figure synonymous with Munster's success, having captained them to Heineken Cup glory in 2006. He accrued 62 Ireland caps and would probably have had his strongest Lions claim in 2001, when Scott Quinnell and Lawrence Dallaglio travelled as potential No 8s and Martin Corry was called up during the tour. Replacements: 16. Jerry Flannery (Ireland)* 17. Duncan Jones (Wales), 18. Jeff Probyn (England), 19. Geoff Wheel (Wales) 20. Sam Underhill (England), 21. Danny Care (England), 22. Jonathan Davies (Wales), 23. Andrew Trimble (Ireland)
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Can Glasgow 'break through glass ceiling'?
Chris Paterson believes Glasgow Warriors are primed to "break through their glass ceiling", but the Scotland great says they will need luck along the Smith's URC champions are aiming to retain their title this season, but they also have hopes of excelling in the Champions Cup, with a last-16 tie at home to Leicester Tigers looming on Saturday."It might not be in your hands whether you break though a glass ceiling or not," Paterson told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast. "The level you're competing at, you need a bit of luck. Glasgow are still missing key players, but hey have got the components to win every game they play. That's the desire, that's the aim. "Franco said they are in a better place than last year, which I agree with, but the opposition teams are probably better."Edinburgh will also be in European action when they host Lions on Friday, and Paterson's former side go into the match on the back of a comfortable URC victory over was keen to single out Scotland winger Darcy Graham's dazzling display in the 38-5 win. "He's been the difference," Paterson added. "He does it with a smile on his face. The way he battles to find space, wriggles, fights, gets to this feet, steals metres."That's just Darcy's natural game. And you look at his awareness for the first try... he's just brilliant."
