Page "Scotland national rugby union team" Paragraph 40

The thistle is the national flower, and also the symbol of the Scotland national rugby union team.

According to legend the " guardian thistle " has played its part in the defence of Scotland against a night attack by Norwegian Vikings, one of whom let out a yell of pain when he stepped barefoot on a thistle, alerting the Scottish defenders.

The Latin Nemo me impune lacessit (" No-one provokes me with impunity!

" in English ) is an ancient motto of the Kings of Scotland, and also of Scotland's premier chivalric order, the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and of the Scots Guards ( the latter both " belonging " to the monarch ).