Struth thanks record crowd for 1872 Cup finale

• 31 Dec 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth has thanked the club's fans for their incredible support after a record-breaking crowd of 40,063 witnessed a hard-fought 10-7 victory over Glasgow Warriors at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in the 1872 Cup finale.

Saturday’s derby attendance comprehensively beat the previous Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish rugby club record crowd from last season of 37,904, underscoring the popularity of the festive derby and securing its place as a cornerstone of both the club’s season and the city’s Hogmanay celebrations.

“It was a brilliant day for everyone connected to the club,” said Struth. “Saturday was the result of so much hard work and sacrifice behind the scenes, and to see it all come together with such an incredible turnout from the amazing Edinburgh Rugby fans was truly special. I cannot thank everyone enough for coming together like that – it makes me so proud and humbled to be a part of this club.

“To see over 40,000 fans backing the team at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with the noise and colour of the team run-out, was a moment that will live long in the memory. Not just that, but to also see our fans enjoying the street party atmosphere outside the bowl, with bands, DJs, fairground games, and lots of other attractions.”

Over 40,000 fans packed into Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

On the field, the team bounced back from defeat in the opening leg of the 1872 Cup at Hampden with a gritty and resolute performance which saw Pierre Schoeman power over late on to secure all four-points, moving Edinburgh into seventh place in the BKT United Rugby Championship and the play off spots.

Struth continued: “The team displayed all the necessary courage and pride in the jersey that I know they have, bouncing back from the loss in the opening leg.

“Saturday’s performance embodies the spirit of our squad and gives us something to build on. We maintained our intensity throughout the full 80 minutes, and I was thrilled for our coaches, management, and players that we secured the deserved victory.”

As the dust settles on Saturday’s historic day, and with the club’s attendance record broken again, Struth remains confident that the 1872 Cup derby continues to hold immense potential for growth, with its popularity increasing year on year.

He said: “40,000 fans at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is an extraordinary achievement that provides a strong foundation for the game in 2025. We are already exploring ways to further enhance the derby matchday experience for our fans.

Struth continued: “I really do want to thank all of the Edinburgh Rugby fans for their incredible and unwavering support throughout 2024. I know it’s not always been easy, but Saturday’s victory provided a fantastic conclusion to the year.

“I would like to wish all our fans, people, and partners a very happy and prosperous New Year when it comes. Here’s to more big wins in 2025 – let’s keep working together and make this club the best it can be, on and off the pitch.”