Centurion Geoff Cross to deliver match ball at Emirates Lions

Cross, a stalwart of the Edinburgh Rugby front row, made over 150 appearances for the club between 2006 to 2014, becoming a firm favourite with the fans. His return to Hive Stadium promises to be a special occasion, as he reflects on his memorable time in the capital.

“I look back on my time at Edinburgh Rugby really fondly,” said Cross. “It was, after all, the club that provided me with a platform to kickstart my international career, and it was a great city to call home for such a long time.

“I played alongside a tremendous group of players who were not only my teammates but good friends, and during that time, they supported me to grow into my role at Edinburgh. We’ve got some really good memories from our time living and working in the capital. It was a great time, and it’s hard to believe it was over 10 years ago!”

Among his highlights, Cross fondly recalls a historic achievement on the European front as Edinburgh became the first Scottish side to reach the last four of the Champions Cup.

“Being part of the first Scottish professional rugby team to play in a European (Heineken) Cup semi-final was incredible,” he said. He also praised the camaraderie of his teammates, adding, “And in terms of my teammates, I had a great relationship with Allan Jacobsen in the front row and also Chris Paterson, another fellow Gala man.”

Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Cross has embarked on a new career path. “Yes, it’s all change at my end now,” he explained. “I finished playing rugby in 2016, and my family and I moved from London, where I had been playing, to live and work in Glasgow, swapping my rugby boots for a stethoscope.

“I’m now a GP working in and around Glasgow, and my wife Helen and I also now have three boys. Things could not be more different, but equally, I’m really enjoying this new chapter, and it’s a privilege to work as a doctor, something that was always on my radar after professional rugby. Although I’m not playing, I’m still enjoying the gym and lifting weights and, of course, squatting, while also coaching the minis at our local club GHA.

“I’m also looking at the importance of strength training, combining it with preventative medicine, as it’s the one aspect of being a rugby player that I really miss.”

Cross is particularly excited to experience the Hive Stadium atmosphere as a fan.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out in front of the Edinburgh fans a lot. They were always really supportive of me while I played at the club. It will also be my first time visiting the Hive Stadium during a game day, so I can’t wait to see it in action and support the guys hopefully to win against the Lions. I know my three boys are also looking forward to watching the game, and it will be great to take them back to my old office!”

Edinburgh Rugby encourages all fans to get in their seats early as the club centurion takes part in the DHL ball delivery ahead of an 8pm kick-off in Hive Stadium.