Edinburgh to honour 1996 European pioneers at Toulon opener

Thirty years on from the club’s first European outing, against Bath at the Rec in 1996, former players from that side will be guests of the club in hospitality before watching Edinburgh take on the French Top 14 giants.

Former players in attendance are Bruce Ward, Duncan Hodge, Graeme Beveridge, Stuart Lang, Derrick Lee, Ross McNulty, David Clark, Steven Reed, Allan Watt, Grant McKelvey and David Laird. Gavin Hastings will attend on behalf of his late brother, Scott, with Andrew Dall attending on behalf of his late brother, Graham.

The 1996 side will also head out onto the pitch at half-time, where supporters will have the chance to celebrate them and hear from the players in an on-pitch Q&A.

The tribute comes as Edinburgh wear their 30th anniversary European kit for the first time, a jersey inspired by that first side.

The jerseys will also pay tribute to three members of the 1996 team who have passed away, with each player’s initials and heritage number carried on the shirt worn in their position.

Scott Hastings (#871), the club’s first professional captain, will be honoured on the number 13 jersey worn by Matt Currie, Ally Donaldson (#911), who captained the club in 1997, on the number 10 worn by James Grayson, and Graham Dall (#932), who started against Bath in 1996, on the number 7 worn by Freddy Douglas.

Gavin Hastings and Katie Donaldson – Ally’s daughter – will deliver the match ball ahead of kick-off.

Douglas Struth, Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, said: “The players who ran out at the Rec in 1996 wrote the first chapter of this club’s European story, and it’s a privilege to welcome so many of them back to Hive Stadium thirty years on.

“Scott, Ally and Graham were a huge part of that side, and having their initials on the jerseys and their families with us on Friday is a fitting way to honour them.

“We know our supporters will give the 1996 side the welcome they deserve when they join us on the pitch at half-time.”