EDINBURGH’S FESTIVAL OF RUGBY
Scottish legend Gavin Hastings cannot wait for Edinburgh to open its doors to players and fans of both rugby codes in May for a festival of rugby – as he believe the historic city has “something to offer everyone”.
Scotland’s lively capital boasts one of the most sizable and atmospheric stadiums in European rugby union – but for a weekend in early May all 14 Super League clubs will be gracing Murrayfield’s hallowed turf, before, on May 23, the cream of Europe’s union talent will go head-to-head in the Heineken Cup Final, as they did four years ago when Stade Francais edged out Toulouse after extra time.
The last occasion rugby leaguers ventured north of the border was in 2002 when the 67,800-seater stadium hosted the Challenge Cup Final and Wigan collected their last silverware after defeating St Helens.
Taking over from Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Murrayfield – which had a £50m revamp in 1995 – will welcome over 100,000 Super League fans for the Magic Weekend on May 2 and 3.
And 47-year-old Hastings, who won 61 caps for his country and six caps for the British Lions, believes that Heineken Cup revellers and, in particular, supporters of the 13-man code will fall for the charm of the city.
“Edinburgh is a real party city,” says the former full-back, “and it has something to offer everyone. Not only is Murrayfield a short walk from the city centre but the stadium and its surrounds will be buzzing before, during and after the rugby. Everyone is guaranteed to have a fantastic time.”
St Helens’ England stand-off, Leon Pryce, is looking forward to stepping out at Murrayfield. “It will be great to play in such a fantastic stadium,” believes the 27-year-old. “I know Scottish people are always very welcoming! I am expecting Edinburgh to provide a great atmosphere for the Magic Weekend – it will be a spectacle.”
Scottish legend Gavin Hastings cannot wait for Edinburgh to open its doors to players and fans of both rugby codes in May for a festival of rugby – as he believe the historic city has “something to offer everyone”.
Scotland’s lively capital boasts one of the most sizable and atmospheric stadiums in European rugby union – but for a weekend in early May all 14 Super League clubs will be gracing Murrayfield’s hallowed turf, before, on May 23, the cream of Europe’s union talent will go head-to-head in the Heineken Cup Final, as they did four years ago when Stade Francais edged out Toulouse after extra time.
The last occasion rugby leaguers ventured north of the border was in 2002 when the 67,800-seater stadium hosted the Challenge Cup Final and Wigan collected their last silverware after defeating St Helens.
Taking over from Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Murrayfield – which had a £50m revamp in 1995 – will welcome over 100,000 Super League fans for the Magic Weekend on May 2 and 3.
And 47-year-old Hastings, who won 61 caps for his country and six caps for the British Lions, believes that Heineken Cup revellers and, in particular, supporters of the 13-man code will fall for the charm of the city.
“Edinburgh is a real party city,” says the former full-back, “and it has something to offer everyone. Not only is Murrayfield a short walk from the city centre but the stadium and its surrounds will be buzzing before, during and after the rugby. Everyone is guaranteed to have a fantastic time.”
St Helens’ England stand-off, Leon Pryce, is looking forward to stepping out at Murrayfield. “It will be great to play in such a fantastic stadium,” believes the 27-year-old. “I know Scottish people are always very welcoming! I am expecting Edinburgh to provide a great atmosphere for the Magic Weekend – it will be a spectacle.”
Labels: Edinburgh, Gavin Hastings, rugby union, Scotland
