Roseburn 

For those who want to be as close to the action as possible, the Roseburn area is the beating heart of the pre-match build-up. The Murrayfield Hotel and its famous Bothy Bar sit almost in the shadow of the stadium’s concrete pillars. On game days, its outdoor area becomes a bustling fan zone where the air is thick with anticipation and the sound of distant bagpipes. Just a few doors down, the Roseburn Bar offers a more traditional experience, featuring dark wood interiors and a storied history of hosting fans who have been attending matches for generations. It is the kind of place where you can find yourself discussing scrummaging techniques with a total stranger while waiting for a well-poured cask ale. 

Haymarket

The journey toward the stadium often begins at Haymarket Station, and the walk from the tracks to the turnstiles is lined with essential stopovers. The Haymarket Bar, situated right at the corner of the station, is a classic Victorian pub that serves as the unofficial staging ground for the march to Murrayfield. If you are looking for a bit of Irish flair, Malones on Morrison Street is legendary for its live music and a gameday energy that rivals the stadium itself. For those who prefer a more curated selection of drinks, The Caley Sample Room offers a sophisticated alternative with an impressive array of craft beers and a menu that goes far beyond standard pub fare. 

Fountainbridge

A short walk away from the main thoroughfare lies one of Edinburgh’s most iconic establishments, The Athletic Arms, known by locals as “Diggers.” Tucked away on Angle Park Terrace, it is famous for its incredible selection of whiskies and its status as a “proper” rugby pub. It offers a slightly more seasoned atmosphere, away from the more frantic energy of the Roseburn path, making it a favourite for those who want to enjoy the buildup without being shoulder-to-shoulder. 

Regardless of where you choose to set up camp, the golden rule of a Murrayfield matchday is to arrive early. Most of these historic venues operate a one-in, one-out policy hours before kick-off as they reach capacity. As the sun sets over the West Stand and the fans filter back into the city, these pubs remain the best place to relive every try and tackle long into the night. 

The post Three pubs near Murrayfield perfect for matchday appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The fixture also marks Manchester United’s first match against Rangers since a UEFA Champions League group stage game in 2010. In this last meeting of the clubs, United beat Rangers 1-0 thanks to a late Wayne Rooney strike, in a game which saw former Scotland international Lee McCulloch start for ‘The Gers’.

McCulloch, who made over 200 appearances for Rangers, was present at the launch of the fixture alongside former Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown, who was an unused substitute the last time the two sides met.

Former Scotland and Rangers midfielder McCulloch said: “I remember it like it was yesterday, playing United in 2010. While the result didn’t go the way we wanted, it was a brilliant occasion, and a powerful representation of the strength of both sides as powerhouses in their respective nations.

“Rangers are, once again, vying for top spot in the Scottish Premiership and Manchester United remain one of the leading sides in global football. Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the home of Scottish Rugby, is one of the most famous sporting venues in the world, so it seems only fitting to have such a thrilling fixture hosted there.”

Wes Brown, who played over 200 times for United, added: “Two of the biggest clubs in British football coming together in the Scottish capital is one of those can’t-miss occasions for any football fan. Last year, when United faced Olympique Lyonnais, the fans’ support was fantastic, and I am sure, alongside the Rangers’ fans, the atmosphere at this year’s game will be incredible.”

The fixture is set to kick-off the pre-season period for both sides, with United heading to the USA shortly after.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Stadium Development & Operations, Mark Laidlaw, added: “We are excited to be able to welcome Manchester United back again for a second consecutive year and also Rangers to Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Being the largest stadium in Scotland, it is great to bring more world-class sporting and music events to Edinburgh again this summer. We look forward to hosting both teams for what will be a fantastic occasion.”

Fixture launched by Rangers legend Lee McCulloch and former United star Wes Brown.

Manchester United Football Director, John Murtough, said: “United v Rangers is one of those must-see fixtures that any fan of football would want to watch. Bringing together two of the UK’s most highly decorated and respected teams, the match will not only provide entertaining and exciting football for our fans, but also a strong and competitive opponent to kick start the squad’s preparation for the season ahead.”

Tickets for the match enter a pre-sale period from Wednesday 20 March before going on public sale on Friday 22 March at 10am. Ticket prices start at £37 for Adults and £19 for Under-16s*.

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster and Ticketek.
*Booking fees apply.

Match information

Manchester United v Rangers
Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Saturday, 20 July, KO 4pm

The post Manchester United and Rangers to face off at Scottish Gas Murrayfield appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The Mobile Skills Unit will be a hub of activity from 10am to 5.30pm at the National Schools Cup Finals on Wednesday 6 December and at the National Youth Cup Finals on Sunday 17 December, and will be open for members of the public and spectators to attend.

Learners will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic, interactive sessions focused on concussion awareness and promoting brain health for older individuals.

Training will be led by Scottish Rugby’s Player Welfare Manager, Dr. Karen Barclay, and a team of specialists from NES, Brain Health Scotland and Scottish Brain Sciences.

As part of this comprehensive initiative, the Mobile Skills Unit will also be accessible between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 16 December for spectators attending Edinburgh Rugby’s highly anticipated EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Hive Stadium.

In addition to this, both Scottish Rugby colleagues and Young Ambassadors linked to the CashBack School of Rugby Programme will use the Unit to engage in Basic Life Saving Skills training, including CPR.

Discussing the initiative, Dr Barclay said: “I am absolutely thrilled to bring the NES Mobile Skills Unit to Scottish Gas Murrayfield this month. While our commitment to the Tackle Height Law Trials is actively addressing concussion reduction in our community game, education remains pivotal to enhancing awareness and management when incidents occur.

“This is a unique opportunity for Scottish Rugby to provide important player welfare training and reinforce our key message of ‘If In Doubt, Sit Them Out’.

“I’m also pleased that we will be able to take the time to use the Unit to help colleagues across the business understand basic principles in delivering assistance in the event of a serious injury or illness until more skilled help arrives. These skills and practices can and do save lives.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming spectators, players and colleagues alike to engage in our training.”

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) CEO Professor Karen Reid said: “Concussion in sport is a serious issue, and people need to know how to treat it and what to do if it occurs. That’s why we’re delighted that our Mobile Skills Unit is able to support these rugby events.

“At NES we provide education and training that supports better health for the people of Scotland. Our MSU is a state-of-the-art simulation facility which tours Scotland giving healthcare professionals and other people a chance to learn or improve their life-saving skills. Our simulators will help people understand the latest guidance around concussion and learn what they need to do to if they’re ever called upon.”

The post Scottish Rugby set to provide interactive player welfare training during December appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The United side historically has a strong connection with Scottish football with many national team players representing United, including current midfielder Scott McTominay. The squad is also glittered with international and British talent such as fan favourite Bruno Fernandes, World Cup winner Lisandro Martínez and top goal scorer this season, Marcus Rashford.

Olympique Lyonnais, highlighted by French superstar Alexandre Lacazette, Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, as well as manager Laurent Blanc will play in Scotland for the first time since 2021 when they defeated Rangers in the UEFA Europa League.

Manchester United Football Director John Murtough said: “Whilst as a club we have great historical links to Scotland, this will be the first time we’ve played at BT Murrayfield, and we’re really looking forward to performing in front of our Scottish fans in what will be a great occasion in a world-class sporting venue.”

“This is an important competitive match for our squad as we commence our preparations for the season ahead. With a 2pm kick-off during the school holidays, we hope many families and young fans from all over Scotland and the UK will be able to travel to the game.”

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Mancester United and Olympique Lyonnais to BT Murrayfield this summer. We have four concerts dates in May for Beyonce, Harry Styles and Bruce Springsteen so being able to add Manchester United into this stellar mix this summer is fantastic. Being the largest stadium in Scotland, it is great to be able to continue to bring exciting sporting and music events to Edinburgh.”

To officially launch the match today at BT Murrayfield were former Manchester United and England player Wes Brown, Scotland rugby player and Manchester United fan Hamish Watson, alongside Olympique Lyonnais Technical Director Bruno Cheyrou – who did score against United in a UEFA Champions League fixture back in 2001.

Wes Brown said: “Manchester United has strong links to Scotland through players past and present, as well as the obvious connection of Sir Alex Ferguson, so the prospect of this friendly against Olympique Lyonnais at Murraryfield is hugely exciting. Playing the game at such an iconic stadium will I’m sure make it an even more special occasion for the players and fans alike.”

Hamish Watson added: “I am still a proud season ticket holder at United and get down to games when I can. To have my team playing at BT Murrayfield is special. I have had so many amazing memories here as a player so to now have the chance to watch United on my home patch is going to be brilliant.

“Manchester United are the biggest club in the world and I’m sure they’ll receive a warm reception from the Scottish crowd who back us from the stands so strongly.

“It’s going to be a great couple of months of live sport in Edinburgh as we look forward to playing three matches at BT Murrayfield in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in September.”

Bruno Cheyrou added: “As a club you always want to pit yourself against the biggest and the best and arguably they don’t come much bigger than Manchester United. This will be the first time we have played United in 15 years and the match will be an important part or our pre-season preparations.”

Tickets for the match will go on sale this Thursday, 18 May. With a family friendly kick off time of 2pm, BT Murrayfield could well be at its 67,000 capacity for the game. The last football match held at the national rugby union stadium – Liverpool v Napoli in 2019 – attracted a crowd of 65,442.

The two teams last met in 2008 in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, with Manchester United winning through 2-1 on aggregate, before going on to beat Chelsea in the final in Moscow.

Exclusive presale tickets will be available starting 17 May, with general on-sale ticket access opening on 18 May at 12pm.

Ticket prices start at £30 for Adults and £15 for Under-16s. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster or Ticketek.

The post Edinburgh to host Manchester United and Lyon in pre-season fixture appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

• National Bowl (12pm KO): Greenock v Cartha Queen’s Park 2XV (Referee, Yvonne Tunnicliff)
• National Plate (2.30pm KO): Ayr v Biggar (Referee, Allana McLean)
• Sarah Beaney Cup (5pm): Watsonian FC v Hillhead Jordanhill (Referee, Mary Pringle)

An all Women refereeing team will lead the three Women’s fixtures alongside Dr Rebecca Wheater as time-keeper.

Coverage will start from 10 minutes prior to each kick-off on scottishrugby.org with three commentary teams covering the matches.

Bruce Millar will be joined by former Scotland Women captain, Lynne Reid in the National Bowl coverage. Reid captained Scotland during the 2010 World Cup and earned 55 caps for her country.

Sarah Hogwood, Scottish Rugby Development Officer and Futures Pathway coach, will co-commentate on the National Plate alongside Hugh Dan McLennan. Hogwood earned caps for Scotland Women U20 between 2010 and 2012.

Coverage of the showcase fixture, the Sarah Beaney Cup, will be led by Stuart McFarlane and Megan Kennedy. The tighthead prop made her debut against Wales during the 2018 Six Nations championship and went on to earn 18 caps for Scotland before her retirement in 2021.

In addition to the worldwide coverage, a highlights show with the best of the action and captain’s interviews will be available on the Scottish Rugby website and social media channels the following Tuesday.

Scottish Rugby Head of Group Sponsorship and Marketing, Toni Blackhurst said: “I’m delighted that we are able to support the broadcasting of Silver Saturday to showcase the best of Women’s club rugby in Scotland.

“For those fans who are unable to make it along to BT Murrayfield on the day, whether from Scotland or internationally, it’s fantastic to be able to provide them with a platform to view what is sure to be an enthralling day of rugby.”

The post Scottish Rugby to broadcast Silver Saturday appeared first on Scottish Rugby.