Scotland seek psychologist’s help to cope with Cardiff catastrophe

Scotland’s defeat in Cardiff last Saturday left centre Peter Horne in such shock he felt compelled to consult the sports psychologist who works with the squad.

Horne said the hardest thing about the 34-7 result was the sense the players had let down friends, family and fans. The Glasgow Warrior coped by spending time talking to Damian Hughes. Those sessions provided a catharsis of sorts, yet Horne knows only victory over France on Sunday will allow the squad to move on from the catastrophe of Cardiff.

“After the game we were stung by how poor we were,” said Horne, who came off the bench to score Scotland’s only try. “We were all gutted. You’re desperate to do well for yourself, your family, the fans. There was a big expectation from everyone inside and outside the group. We blew a big opportunity and it has been a tough one to take.

“Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t solve anything. It becomes counter-productive. That’s why you have the reviews and honesty sessions, and we also have Damian working with us. He will go around a few of the guys and have a chat, and quite a lot of the boys are open to that. For me, it’s nice to chat to Damian, he’s a good lad.”

The use of a sports psychologist is becoming more widespread among top players in team sports such as football and rugby, with the career of Bournemouth’s Scottish winger Ryan Fraser being transformed after manager Eddie Howe sent him to see one.

Horne says that Hughes has been busy this week as Scotland’s players deal with the guilt, disappointment and anger at such a crushing defeat after such high hopes.

“Damian doesn’t have massive things with the whole squad,” said Horne. “It’s quite individual. A lot of the time he’s there, chucking in little bits of wisdom about ways of coping with things or dealing with things. It’s more if the boys feel they want to go and have a chat with him; he’s not pushing it in your face, he’s not that type of guy.”

Horne believes the real Scotland will re-emerge. “I’m confident Cardiff was a slip as I can’t see us being that bad again,” he said. “I think there will be a good reaction from the boys.”