Edinburgh v Aviron Bayonnais moved to Scottish Gas Murrayfield due to Storm Kathleen

Tonight’s EPCR Challenge Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and Aviron Bayonnais (6 April, kick-off 8pm) has been moved to Scottish Gas Murrayfield as Storm Kathleen is set to bring strong winds to Edinburgh later today.

The club’s operations team and Scottish Rugby health and safety officials have been in contact with the MET Office to discuss the impact of the yellow warning for the wind, with the decision to move the match made this morning as the safest way to ensure it goes ahead.

All existing tickets are valid for the game. The Thistle Suite Clubhouse, President Suite (Capital Kitchen) and club shop will all be open as normal, however the Hive Stadium fanzone will be closed.

Fans have also been urged to prepare for travel disruption.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “The safety of our fans, players, and people is paramount. Unfortunately, Storm Kathleen and the worsening weather forecast has meant that the only way to now play this match safely and securely is in the bigger main bowl at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. We’re obviously very disappointed not to be playing in our home, Hive Stadium, but I hope that people will understand.

“We know our fans love Hive Stadium, and the atmosphere we’ve built there over the past two seasons is second to none, but I’d encourage all our supporters to bring that same passion and energy to the main bowl this evening.

“There is still a lot of work to be done today to make this move happen, and there will inevitably be some compromises from our normal matchday experience.

“I’d like to thank our fans and our visitors from Bayonne in advance for their patience and understanding in that regard, as we try to make this switch as seamless as possible. Finally, to those fans coming this evening, please plan well ahead, take care, and travel safely.”

Important supporter information:

Tickets: All existing tickets for the match are valid. The match will go off sale for a short period as the switch to Scottish Gas Murrayfield takes place.

Entry: General admission entry to Scottish Gas Murrayfield will be through the Roseburn Street turnstiles opposite the Murrayfield tram stop (general turnstiles open at 6.30pm, hospitality opens at 6pm).

Seating: Seating in the east stand is on an unreserved, general admission basis.

Blue badge parking will be in the south stand car park, entrance via the Scottish Gas Murrayfield gatehouse. Blue badge ticket purchasers will be emailed directly. Wheelchair seating will be in the west stand, section 12A.