The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war…..

by R!skysports Wed 3 Jan 2018 - 10:51

First topic message reminder :

Bicker away......

A nice video to start with

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds9dwHAfy_M

Glasgow Warriors are one of the two professional rugby union sides from Scotland. The team plays in the Pro14 league and in the European Professional Club Rugby tournaments. In the 2014-15 season they won the Pro12 title and became the first Scottish team to win a major trophy in rugby union's professional era. #theyrock

Edinburgh Rugby (formerly Edinburgh Reivers, Edinburgh Gunners and a real rugby team) is one of the two professional rugby teams from Scotland, although hard to determine if they play rugby. The club ~~competes~~ dances in the Pro14, along with Glasgow Warriors, its oldest rival. Since January 2017, Edinburgh plays most of its home games at Myreside Stadium with selected matches at BT Murrayfield.

kiss

The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war….. - Page 5 Davefr10

by **BigGee** Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 9:30

EWT Spoons wrote:Hardie made his long awaited comeback for Hawick at the weekend…..going off before 15 mins with a head knock that required plastic surgery.

There has to come a point where he should probably pack in rugby, he’s way too injury prone.

He really is your classic openside, no sense of self preservation whatsoever. Favaro was the same for Glasgow!

by munkian Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 10:07

Anyone know when your team is announced ?

by **RDW** Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 10:09

Scotland team? Likely Wednesday or Thursday.

by **BigGee** Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 10:13

RDW_Scotland wrote:Scotland team? Likely Wednesday or Thursday.

Wednesday I believe

by munkian Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 10:15

BigGee wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Scotland team? Likely Wednesday or Thursday.

Wednesday I believe

Cool, ta

by EWT Spoons Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 10:22

BigGee wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:Hardie made his long awaited comeback for Hawick at the weekend…..going off before 15 mins with a head knock that required plastic surgery.

There has to come a point where he should probably pack in rugby, he’s way too injury prone.

He really is your classic openside, no sense of self preservation whatsoever. Favaro was the same for Glasgow!

Would be nice if he had a little bit of self preservation, he's barely played for the last few seasons, mostly due to injuries. I actually think his biggest issue is his tackling technique as he seems to get a lot of head knocks when he's going in for a tackle.

by Eejit Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 17:44

Assume we’re still alright to use this thread as a sort of kilted safe space to hide from the loons over on the international section? Some of the posters over there make posters on The legendarily cantankerous Glasgow Warriors unofficial forum look positively agreeable.

by **RDW** Tue 30 Jan 2018 - 17:53

Yes, I'll make sure this is a safe place for those who don't want to get involved in poo flinging!

by **RDW** Wed 31 Jan 2018 - 8:02

Tim Visser signs a 2 year deal at Harlequins - potentially his last big deal as a winger.

by **George Carlin** Wed 31 Jan 2018 - 9:10

RDW_Scotland wrote:Tim Visser signs a 2 year deal at Harlequins - potentially his last big deal as a winger.

He deserves it really. Two years to learn how to tackle.

by TJ Wed 31 Jan 2018 - 21:32

Eejit wrote:Assume we’re still alright to use this thread as a sort of kilted safe space to hide from the loons over on the international section? Some of the posters over there make posters on The legendarily cantankerous Glasgow Warriors unofficial forum look positively agreeable.

I am afraid those trolls have just ruined it for me. Scared away a lot of posters so much less info on this site now and making any discussion of Wales simply unbearable. so I might still pop in here occasionally but basically the trolls have won and I am off. the mods have been ineffective in dealing with them ( I know moderation is difficult) and the trolls have ruined the forum

Thanks chaps and bye

by **RDW** Sun 4 Feb 2018 - 13:57

So the only mild Scottish success from this weekend is the 7s who qualified for the cup and ended up in 8th place. Somehow they managed that despite only winning one game all weekend!

by **BigGee** Sun 4 Feb 2018 - 20:23

RDW_Scotland wrote:So the only mild Scottish success from this weekend is the 7s who qualified for the cup and ended up in 8th place. Somehow they managed that despite only winning one game all weekend!

We'll take it, beggars cannot be choosers!

by **George Carlin** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 4:40

RDW_Scotland wrote:So the only mild Scottish success from this weekend is the 7s who qualified for the cup and ended up in 8th place. Somehow they managed that despite only winning one game all weekend!

If we're scraping about for victories, I also managed to talk down a bunch of workmen from adding VAT to their invoice over the weekend because their terms and conditions didn't acknowledge that changes in law could result in a fee increase.

#NerdWin #JustBoredMyself

by **BigGee** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 9:41

The rugby paper reporting that Matt Scott coming back to Edinburgh on a long term deal.

That would seem like a good move for both parties.

by EWT Spoons Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 9:48

Really hope that’s true, as I think a Scott & Bennett combo could be really exciting for Edinburgh.

by **RDW** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 9:57

Ultimately we can't complain against an experienced Scotland international coming back to the club - as long as his body is still up to is and it doesn't mean we'll have to cut our budget in other key positions.

I'll be pleased to see him back.

by **BigGee** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 10:06

RDW_Scotland wrote:Ultimately we can't complain against an experienced Scotland international coming back to the club - as long as his body is still up to is and it doesn't mean we'll have to cut our budget in other key positions.

I'll be pleased to see him back.

He seems to have been a little bit unlucky with injuries this year in particular, but it is not the shoulder, which was the one that looked like it might end his career a few years ago that has been keeping him out this year.

He has played a couple of games now, but does not seem to be in Gloucester main squad plans now, so that might mean he comes back up pretty fresh as he is not likely to play for them to much more over the rest of the season.

by **RDW** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 10:08

There was an article in the local press saying he wasn’t in the new coaches plans, but he’s been injured most of the season so I can’t see how they could come to that conclusion unless it is a personality / style of play kind of thing. He was one of their standout players the previous season so it would be strange if he was resigned to the scraphead, although to be fair 36 and the young 13 have been playing well for them this season.

by highland_scot Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 11:00

Presume if Scott returns then Burleigh is off - think he's out of contract in the summer?

Scott/Bennett as first choices with Dean/Johnstone in reserve isn't too bad, though struggling to think of any promising youngsters coming through for that third spot.

by **BigGee** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 11:21

I could see Edinburgh hanging onto Burleigh for at least another season. Rasolea is more likely to be off and don't forget that Fruean is technically still on the books, despite every knowing that he won't play again.

The only thing that might tempt Burleigh away would be a longer contract somewhere else.

by EWT Spoons Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 11:35

Burleigh is 32 this year, so probably isn’t going to have a huge number of admirers, or at least not ones who are going to offer him a long term contract, a year or two is probably the best he can hope for.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed on for another year with Edinburgh, on the basis that he’s going to be 2nd/3rd choice at 12.
I’m not sure on Rasolea, at the start of the season I would have agreed that he was likely to be off, but he’s played pretty well of late, offering a more physical approach to our play and seems to be improving under RC. I think he could be offered a new contract.

Of course after saying that they’ll both likely to be off.

by **BigGee** Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 17:17

Leo Sarto has shoulder surgery, out for the rest of the season.

A real shame that both his seasons with the Warriors have been ruined by shoulder injuries, in truth he has hardly played for us.

With his contract up at the end of the season, you do wonder if we will see him in a Warriors shirt again.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Mon 5 Feb 2018 - 17:20

The good news just keeps rolling in FFS !

by BamBam Tue 6 Feb 2018 - 12:02

In completely irrelevant, probably not interesting to anyone other than me news .. I've just discovered that I work with Mike Blair's sister!

by **BigGee** Tue 6 Feb 2018 - 12:02

Interesting tweet from Mark Palmer, suggesting that Dickinson is back training well with Edinburgh and hinting that he is not that far off playing again.

I had just about given up on him but it would be good to see him back and hopefully end his career on his own terms. Scotland and Edinburgh could certainly use any fit props going atm!

by **RDW** Tue 6 Feb 2018 - 12:05

That is good news on Dickinson.

Marfo is back training as well apparently but is a few weeks off from being able to play - at least it sounds like they've got to the bottom of his back problems.

by EWT Spoons Tue 6 Feb 2018 - 12:16

It's surprising on Dicko, as the chat from a number of his teammates was that he was done, so if this is true, then hats off to him as he's obviously gone through a lot to get back training again.

Would be delighted to get him back as he's a superb loosehead and gives Edinburgh some real options, with him, sutherland, dell and Marfo all capable.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Tue 6 Feb 2018 - 17:52

EWT Spoons wrote:It's surprising on Dicko, as the chat from a number of his teammates was that he was done, so if this is true, then hats off to him as he's obviously gone through a lot to get back training again.

Would be delighted to get him back as he's a superb loosehead and gives Edinburgh some real options, with him, sutherland, dell and Marfo all capable.

According to Mr Palmer, the chat was the other way around. Great news though. I hope Dicko gets back to his best!

Mark Palmer, Twitter wrote:Speaking to a number of Scotland [Edinburgh] players, they've been impressed by how Alasdair Dickinson has shown up in training. Has only played four times for Edinburgh since injuring himself in Japan in 2016, but 34-year-old could yet have a say with club and country in the coming months

by EWT Spoons Tue 6 Feb 2018 - 18:21

Aye. I was talking to a few players after a game a couple of months ago and they reckoned he was done, his shoulder was a total mess. Sounds like he's been patched up since then and got himself fit. Considering their view at the time that he was sadly finished, that's a hell of a result for him and suggests he's been through a lot to get to this point. Huge respect to him for coming through it and getting himself in a position where he might be able to play again.

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 9:39

The Scotsman are reporting today that Edinburgh are looking to redevelop the back pitches at Murrayfield to host a 7k seat stadium.

I'd be amazed if this is an actual story and not just the Scotsman idly speculating, given at the Myerside consultations Petrie and co were adamant that they had looked into the back pitches and the costs involved would be massively prohibitive to doing anything there.

However, if true, then that would appease a lot of disgruntled Edinburgh fans.

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 9:52

Here's the story:

Scotsman wrote:Edinburgh Rugby is looking to build its own home in a new arena next to the BT Murrayfield stadium, The Scotsman can reveal.

The club is exploring the possibility of constructing a “mini-Murrayfield” on the training pitches beside the home of Scottish Rugby.

It is understood proposals for a 7,000-seat stadium are at an early stage and no application for planning has yet been made, but with objections it could be up to five years before the idea comes to fruition.

With interest in Scottish Rugby at a 20-year high, some feel the timing is right for Edinburgh and the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) to act and secure a purpose-built base for the team.

The move would be a huge draw to rugby fans in the east of Scotland, who have long hoped Edinburgh could have its own stadium. BT Murrayfield is regarded as one of the finest stadiums in world rugby, but is only at capacity for Scotland international matches.

Edinburgh Rugby – one of two Scottish professional teams along with Glasgow Warriors – is attracting crowds of under 5,000. It is hoped a smaller stadium that would ¬regularly sell out for home matches would provide a strong base for the team, which plays in the Guinness PRO14 league. The club has had several ¬temporary homes across Edinburgh, including Meadowbank, Murrayfield and ¬currently Myreside.

A source said: “If Edinburgh Rugby grow their crowds even by a modest amount, then everyone knows Myreside will struggle to cope with that.

“The SRU could invest in Myreside [home of Watsonians], but what would be the point of investing in someone’s else’s land when there is spare land at Murrayfield and developers looking to get involved.”

The back pitches at Murrayfield have long been viewed as ripe for development, especially as property values in the area are high.

But flooding of Murrayfield in 2003 and a subsequent public inquiry, together with the property crash, halted previous redevelopment ideas.

The property market has since recovered, the hotel sector is buoyant and a tram stop has been built close to the stadium, significantly improving transport access to the site. Flood prevention work has also been completed at the site. Proposals have recently been floated for a hotel and flats on the site by developer Murrayfield 2020.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Rugby declined to comment at this stage, but indicated more details would be revealed soon. No figures have been revealed, but it is understood the stadium could cost in excess of £10 million.

Issues that need to be ironed out include the future of Murrayfield ice rink and Murrayfield Wanderers, whose clubhouse is on the site. It is also understood Miller Developments has an option on some of the SRU’s land and may need to be consulted before any construction went ahead.

A similar set-up exists in Wales where the 13,000-capacity BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park is immediately adjacent to the Principality Stadium where Wales rugby and football international matches are played.

The move comes shortly after it emerged Murrayfield had been shortlisted alongside Hampden Park as the two potential venues for future Scotland international football games.

Legendary former Scotland and Lions prop and one-time SRU president Ian McLauchlan said: “I quite enjoy going to Myreside, always have, and it is much better than the vastness of Murrayfield.

“It is a club ground, though, and would need to be developed. You can’t expect the pitch there to be perfect when it hosts school, club and Edinburgh games.”

Edinburgh have looked at many options for a permanent home over the past 20 years, including club rugby grounds Myreside and Meggetland, athletics stadium Meadowbank, football grounds Easter Road and Tynecastle, as well as plans for a purpose-built stadium to be shared with athletics at Sighthill.

A rugby source told The Scotsman: “The proposed stadium is a great thing for Edinburgh, but it should have been done 22 years ago when rugby turned into a professional sport.

“It will give Edinburgh Rugby finally an identity. It will also a better commodity all round for presenting rugby.
“Edinburgh Rugby will become more attractive to fans and to investors when it has its own stadium.”

The SRU’s finances are in a far healthier state than they were when the “mini-Murrayfield” idea was first floated in the early days of professional rugby when the game’s ¬governing body carried a heavy debt of about £20m.

The SRU’s annual turnover broke £50m for the first time last year following increases in ticketing revenue, broadcast rights payments and sponsorship.

The development plans are likely to prove controversial as they involve building on green space within Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Rugby last summer extended its agreement with George Watson’s College in a three-year deal to play their home games at Myreside, minus a few select fixtures.

This season has seen a big upturn in form under new coach Richard Cockerill, but crowds have been reluctant to flock, with attendances stubbornly remaining under the 4,000 mark. It is not clear if the proposed new stadium would be available for other sports or events.

As an aside, they are really going to town on the flooding comments Very Happy

Also appears to be a total non story, all speculation and absolutely nothing to it, it's also not been picked up or reported on by any other paper as far as I can see.

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 10:14

In other news Duncan Weir was apparently due to go on loan to Worchester, but wasn't match fit and therefore wasn't going to be available when they needed him so that deal fell through.

Wonder if that could seal the end of his time at the club. Also what on earth are they thinking, how desperate must they have been for a 10?!

by **RDW** Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 10:37

I've always said that a small stadium on the back pitches would be the best option for Edinburgh - it would be amazing if it came true.

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 10:56

It's certainly a very popular option, and (not sure if you were there?) was raised a number of times at the Myerside consultations, but Petrie couldn't have been clearer that it was a no go, due to cost, flooding issues, lack of required space to accommodate stands. They couldn't have ruled it out any more had they unveiled a banner saying:

"forget the back pitches!!!!"

Which makes me suspect this is a non story, as that was only last year and things haven't changed that much in scottish rugby during that time.

However, as you say it would be amazing if it came true, as it would heal some rifts between fans who are struggling to get behind the Myerside move.

by **RDW** Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 11:00

It perhaps hinges on what's happening with Murrayfield Wanderers, who are getting kicked out, and the ice rink. There was talk of a luxury hotel at the south stand but that's gone quiet since it was first mentioned.

I just hope if it does happen they future proof by making it big enough, or allowing scope for expension in the future - 7k is more than enough for our current fan base but look what's happened at Glasgow where they have outgrown their stadium and there's no room for expansion.

by Tramptastic Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 11:17

Interesting reporting...

On an aside note the company I work for have just completed a traffic management review of Myreside with the planning being put forward for Myreside being upgraded to 7000 seats - official calculations show there wouldnt be a problem with an increase in pedestrian/bus/car traffic at Myreside

Looks like the SRU are considering all options carefully which is a fairly sensible thing to do!

by **RDW** Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 11:19

That's probably because no one drives to Myreside as there's nowhere to park!

Should you be telling us this in a public forum Tramptastic??

by Tramptastic Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 11:21

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's probably because no one drives to Myreside as there's nowhere to park!

Should you be telling us this in a public forum Tramptastic??

Probably not *sets fire to computer and walks away*

by Tramptastic Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 11:34

Tramptastic wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:That's probably because no one drives to Myreside as there's nowhere to park!

Should you be telling us this in a public forum Tramptastic??

Probably not *sets fire to computer and walks away*

It'll be fine, apparently there was a 3 hour public consultation done so it's not news to those residents of Myreside

by **RDW** Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 11:38

Someone commented on a Facebook article saying that the Edinburgh Munster game is going to move to Murrayfield due to an expected larger crowd - can't say I agree with that. By larger crowd they probably mean 5k, and I'd much rather have a jam packed Myreside than a vastly empty Murrayfield. It also doesn't help build our identity at Myreside, and I know ST holders are annoyed by moves to Murrayfield as they don't get their seat they paid for as part of the ST membership. To me that is all more important than selling an extra 500-1000 tickets.

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 12:20

Edinburgh haven't confirmed why they are moving that game to Murrayfield, they have been asked repeatedly but they haven't replied.

I suspect it is crowd related, but that seems odd considering it's in the middle of the 6 nations and I can't see that many munster fans travelling over for it.

Also totally agree with you with regards to having a jam packed Myerside, that was one of the driving reasons for the change, to create a demand for tickets due to there being a risk of a sell out. If the club just moves to Murrayfield anytime a half decent crowd is expected then what's the point.

by Tramptastic Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 12:47

EWT Spoons wrote:Edinburgh haven't confirmed why they are moving that game to Murrayfield, they have been asked repeatedly but they haven't replied.

I suspect it is crowd related, but that seems odd considering it's in the middle of the 6 nations and I can't see that many munster fans travelling over for it.

Also totally agree with you with regards to having a jam packed Myerside, that was one of the driving reasons for the change, to create a demand for tickets due to there being a risk of a sell out. If the club just moves to Murrayfield anytime a half decent crowd is expected then what's the point.

Its the state of the pitch apparently, lots of Watsonian players saying its an absolute state due to the extra games being played on it

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 15:01

BBC Tom English now reporting on this, but with a different take, in fact it's pretty different overall. I personally believe Tom English more than the Scotsman, but they are both reporting something is being looked at, at the back pitches

Tom English wrote:Edinburgh: SRU to consider new 6,000-seat stadium at Murrayfield

By Tom English

BBC Scotland

The Scottish Rugby Union will explore moving Edinburgh to a new 6,000-seat stadium on Murrayfield's back pitches.

The governing body is to conduct a feasibility study which could, if things are accelerated, see Richard Cockerill's team play their home games on the new site next season.

Contrary to reports, the project will not cost anywhere close to £10m.

Temporary stands would be relocated from Myreside to Murrayfield, while extra stands would raise the capacity.

"It is normal practice at this time in the season for Edinburgh Rugby to be reviewing all its options both on and off the pitch," said for a spokesman for the club.

"There are, though, no plans for a permanent stadium development within the grounds of Murrayfield and media speculation on this today is wide of the mark."

In the summer, after a six-game trial last season, Edinburgh committed to a three-year deal with George Watson's College to play games at Myreside, with Cockerill stating that the intimacy of the ground would add to the match-day atmosphere compared to the relative silence of their previous home at 67,500-capacity Murrayfield.

That deal is believed to have an opt-out clause. If approved, the financial outlay of moving venue would be little more than the union are already paying in rent for Myreside. The SRU board have, however, not yet discussed the idea and planning permission has not yet been sought.

Approval for the plan is far from guaranteed, but a new layout on the back pitches is, at present, the favoured option as the home for Edinburgh Rugby.

This is the latest development in what has been a long-running saga of finding a suitable home for Edinburgh Rugby. When the move was made from Murrayfield to Myreside, it was deemed as a bright new dawn for the club.

Jonny Petrie, the managing director, described it at the time as a "hugely positive step" and that Myreside was "about building a strong future for the club at a home ground in the city that better suits our needs and improves the match-day experience for fans and players alike".

Some Edinburgh games have been moved back to Murrayfield this season to capitalise on bigger crowds wanting to watch the team. That has been a commercial success, but it has done nothing to establish a culture at Myreside or to develop it as the home of the club.

Within the SRU there is the hope that Edinburgh Rugby will continue to improve and attendances will rise under Cockerill's coaching. Myreside might be too small in that eventuality. An affordable option on the back pitches, which allows Edinburgh to use the main stadium for hospitality, has now become a topic of conversation.

A source told BBC Scotland: "This is early-doors planning - a testing of the water to see if a set-up on the back pitches might work as a home for Edinburgh Rugby."

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 16:11

Taking into consideration away support, where are Edinburgh going to get the other 5000 fans to fill the new stadium ? Very Happy

by tigertattie Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 16:17

all speculation for now it seems!

A 7k stadium is in my humble opinion too small if they want to grow the fan base! A 6k seater even more so!

If I was designing the thing I'd go for a 12k stadium but have have this tiered for use when required.

I'd have the traditional bowl shaped stadium but with two main stands running the length of the pitch having three tiers. Bottom and middle tiers having 2000 seats each with a top tier having 1000. I'd then have two end stands with two tiers each tier have 1000 seats.

This way the top tier could be closed off if not enough tickets are sold or if its really bad, the middle tier as well. This means there's 360 degree spread of fans which would keep the atmosphere and still wouldn't look too bad on tele. This sticking fans in one stand just so it looks good on tele makes for an utterly gash atmosphere which results in less fans turning up the following week.

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 16:18

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Taking into consideration away support, where are Edinburgh going to get the other 5000 fans to fill the new stadium ?

Ha Ha ha...... Crying or Very sad

by EWT Spoons Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 16:20

tigertattie wrote:all speculation for now it seems!

A 7k stadium is in my humble opinion too small if they want to grow the fan base! A 6k seater even more so!

If I was designing the thing I'd go for a 12k stadium but have have this tiered for use when required.

I'd have the traditional bowl shaped stadium but with two main stands running the length of the pitch having three tiers. Bottom and middle tiers having 2000 seats each with a top tier having 1000. I'd then have two end stands with two tiers each tier have 1000 seats.

This way the top tier could be closed off if not enough tickets are sold or if its really bad, the middle tier as well. This means there's 360 degree spread of fans which would keep the atmosphere and still wouldn't look too bad on tele. This sticking fans in one stand just so it looks good on tele makes for an utterly gash atmosphere which results in less fans turning up the following week.

I like the way Tom English has described it, as from the sound of things we could have a 6k temp stadium from possibly next season, which as things stand is all we need. Should attendances increase to the point of 6k being too small, the club can then start at looking at something bigger/more perm, but for the foreseeable future there is no point in Edinburgh having a 12k+ stadium as the demand isn't there.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Wed 7 Feb 2018 - 18:55

Murder, robbery, assault, theft, incest, sexual assault, indecent assault, r***.

Can someone (Mods ?) tell me why r*** has the stupid asterisks and the others do not. And yes I have been following the Ulster thread recently. Seems utterly bizarre to me. Some keen legal mind may know the answer ?

by **RDW** Thu 8 Feb 2018 - 8:40

So the Scotsman is going even further this morning to say that tomorrow night's game will be Edinburgh's last game at Myreside, with the rest of the games this season moving to Murrayfield and next season Edinburgh will be playing on the back pitches.

As much as Edinburgh fans haven't overly bought in to the Myreside move, if this is true it is messing the fans around to make such a decision at short notice, especially having sold season tickets etc based on a full season at Myreside.

You've got to wonder what has prompted such a sudden move (again if true)?

I also had a thought about the practicalities of using the back pitches. They're not going to get rid of the 4g training pitch, so unless they change the layout of the remaining pitches that are a few physical constraints in the area. Presumably they aren't going to use the furthest away pitches as the idea would be to tie in to the Murrayfield facilities (supporters bar, shop, catering areas etc) so that would mean the pitch in front of Murrayfield Wanderers club house. Problem with that one is that there is not much room either end of the pitch - one dead ball line is very close to the 4G pitch, and the other one is very close to the railway line. I know from experience that rail track operators do no like you building things close to their railway lines! One length of the pitch runs next to the carpark too so the SRU would lose car parking space if there is a stand.

So I suppose that makes me conclude they're going to have to change the pitch layout, and this would likely mean losing one of the back pitches..

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