Edinburgh Rugby’s next home match against Ospreys on Friday 28 February (kick-off 7.35pm) will be played at Meggetland, the club confirmed today.
Concerns over the current Murrayfield Stadium playing surface – caused by a parasitic infection that damaged the roots – mean the club will relocate the RaboDirect PRO12 clash to ensure the international pitch is in robust health for Scotland’s home fixtures in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations, against England and France.
The move will see the club play its first competitive home match outside of the national stadium since May 2004, when Marcus Di Rollo, Andrew Dall and Joel Brannigan crossed the whitewash in the club’s 19-17 win over Glasgow at Meadowbank.
Edinburgh Rugby managing director, David Davies, said: “Everyone at the club is really excited about this temporary move to Meggetland. “We’ve taken a lot of time and care to select the best venue for this fixture and that limits the inconvenience to our fans. We’re working hard to make the most of this opportunity to pack out the stands with black and red. Pre-sales and season ticket memberships mean that the ground – which can hold about 3,000 – is already at 85% of capacity, so we urge all fans to buy their tickets early and guarantee their place at this great opportunity to cheer on the club at close quarters.”
Davies continued: “On behalf of Edinburgh Rugby I’d like to express our sincerest thanks to our fans for their understanding and support of this relocation, to the staff at Edinburgh Leisure, which manages the venue on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, and Boroughmuir RFC, for their help in hosting this fixture. We look forward to building a positive working relationship and making this match a success.”
Parking at Meggetland is restricted to disabled patrons with a blue badge.
To help fans get to the ground Edinburgh Rugby are running a park and ride scheme from the Saughtonhall car park at Murrayfield Stadium.
Those wishing to use this service must note their interest in advance by emailing info@edinburghrugby.org, noting their preferred shuttle time of 5.50pm, 6.10pm, 6.30pm or 6.50pm.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture & Sport Convener, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Since the council’s multi-million pound investment in Meggetland in 2006, it has become one of the best-used outdoor sports facilities in the city.
“I am delighted that Edinburgh Rugby have chosen to play here and hope that, with the support of Edinburgh Leisure and ourselves, the match is a success both on the pitch and off it. We are very aware that this is a residential area and will ensure that all travel options are explored.”
Ken Harvey, Head of Customer Operations at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Edinburgh Leisure is thrilled to welcome Edinburgh Rugby back to our flagship sports pitch at Meggetland.
“The home game against Ospreys is an exciting highlight of the sporting calendar, and we will be working with Edinburgh Rugby and the local community we serve to ensure the event is a fantastic success.”
Tickets for Edinburgh Rugby’s clash with Ospreys are on sale now priced from £5 for under-18s, £10 for students and senior citizens and £20 for adults.
A letter to all reserved and unreserved season ticket members outlining their specific seating, entrance and parking arrangements will be mailed out shortly, while general information, from ticketing to finding the ground, will be available on the club’s website, www.edinburghrugby.org.
