Perth prepares for first pro rugby match in 20 years

Glamour friendly at North Inch pop-up a big draw

Perth’s North Inch will be transformed into a pop-up rugby stadium this weekend as the city welcomes its first professional rugby match in more than 20 years.

Glasgow Warriors, the team that emerged from the ashes of the Caledonian Reds, who used to play home matches at McDiarmid Park, take on English Premiership side Harlequins on Saturday.

A 5,000 capacity stand is being built in the North Inch and seated tickets are already sold out as the teams prepare for the glamour friendly.

The large crowd is expected to bring a substantial boost to local Perthshire Rugby Club, who celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.

The team has been in discussions with Glasgow Warriors officials to bring the game to their ground for the last 12 months.

Perthshire chiefs hope the fixture can bring financial and sporting benefits to the club.

Allan Brown, chief executive of Perthshire Rugby Club, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming both teams and hosting a great day of rugby.

“There is a lot of excitement in the camp. Huge thanks to Glasgow Warriors and Perth and Kinross Council for enabling us to host this historic professional rugby match.

“The last time we welcomed a crowd on this scale was for our 100th anniversary against the Scots Greys, 50 years ago, in front of 8,000 spectators.

“Rugby fans from across Tayside, Scotland and the UK will be coming along and we’re delighted to showcase our club to rugby fans at our Royal Bank Rugby Force Community Zone on match day.

“Some of our members will be running the arena bar, with the funds going towards the club.

“We are also hosting the bar at the Perth Salute on Sunday, with funds again going to the club.

“We have our community team engaging with everyone in the arena on match day to give more information out about Perthshire rugby. With seated