Rugby teams prepare for Murrayfield test

The annual encounter between the universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews, first staged in the 1860s, will take place at the BT Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 26 September.

Tickets for the game are free for those registering beforehand.

From Saturday 19 September, tickets will be available for £5.00 online or at the turnstiles on the day.

Video

In this short film, team captains, players, and coaches explain the importance of this fixture.

Sporting history

St Andrews have won the men’s match during the past two seasons, when the fixture was staged at the ground of London Scottish FC, in Surrey.

This year’s move to BT Murrayfield will allow more spectators to enjoy the game in one of the world's finest rugby arenas.

Playing at the national stadium, one which can accommodate more than 67,000 spectators, will be an incredible experience. St Andrews have had a great couple of seasons, and have had the better of us in the past two years, but I am determined to bring that winning streak to an end and ensure an Edinburgh victory.

Women’s match

In addition to the men’s game, the women’s varsity team will take on their St Andrews opponents. The 15-a-side match will kick off at 5pm, before the men’s game.

I’m very pleased that Edinburgh came out on top in last year’s Varsity Sevens match and in our recent 15s encounters with St Andrews, but complacency is always a dangerous thing. I’ll be working closely with the players to ensure that over-confidence and the impressive surroundings don’t overawe them, but we need as many supporters as possible, so please come along and cheer us on!

Rich rugby heritage

The University of Edinburgh was instrumental in the establishment of rugby union in Scotland and has produced no fewer than 73 international players who were capped for their countries while playing for the University.

Former students like David Bedell-Sivright, Gregor Townsend, Chris Paterson, Andy Irvine, Mike Blair, Simon Taylor, and Tony Stanger won numerous international caps between them. Many of these illustrious names feature in the University’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Edinburgh has also produced 30 players for the Scotland Women’s team. Students Harriet Cumber, Katie Dougan, Sarah Law, and Mhairi Grieve are in the current Scotland squad.

Sport for all

Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading sporting universities.

We have helped countless students and graduates achieve their sporting ambitions, including six-time cycling Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic gold medallist rower Katherine Grainger, World Champion orienteer Yvette Baker, and Scottish international football legend Julie Fleeting.

At London 2012, Edinburgh finished first in the Olympic medal table for universities across the UK.

The University provides a wide range of sports, for competitors of all abilities. At the performance end of the spectrum, Edinburgh offers support programmes for exceptionally talented student athletes.

Both the Individual Performance Programme (IPP) and the Team Performance Programme (TPP) offer essential support for student athletes who are committed to succeeding on the international stage.