SRU refuse entry to Glasgow supporters
GlASgOW Warriors supporters will be banned from attending Friday’s derby rematch at BT Murrayfield as the SRU go all out to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.
There will be around 700 fans at the first sporting event in Scotland to allow supporters back in since the coronavirus pandemic.
The SRU are determined to ensure everything runs smoothly by ensuring only those with the shortest travel distances are allowed into the stadium, where strict Covid guidelines will be in place.
Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said he could understand the disappointment of glasgow fans but made clear he fully supported the decision by the SRU to not allow visiting supporters to attend.
‘last week we received the good news from Scottish Rugby that the Scottish government had approved their proposal to host a pilot event and as a result Friday’s game will be the first rugby pilot event in the UK,’ said Bombrys.
‘This is a significant development for rugby’s return, and it will bring some normality to our lives. I’m sure you can agree it is in all our best interests that this pilot event is successful.
‘This means that there will only be a limited number of tickets available for this match, and in order to reduce the risks created by supporters travelling across the country to attend the match, it was decided that the pilot event would be designated as the Edinburgh home game. As such, priority will be given to Edinburgh Rugby Season Ticket holders who live nearest to BT Murrayfield stadium, in order to reduce the need for travel and the impact on the transport network. ‘Whilst we appreciate the outstanding travelling support that we receive from Warrior Nation across Europe, and how much enjoyment so many of you take in supporting the club away from glasgow, on this unique occasion, we fully support this decision as it has been taken in the best interests of glasgow Warriors supporters and all of Scottish Rugby.’ Meanwhile, Huw Jones has told Warriors head coach Danny Wilson he is keen for another crack at playing full-back after a promising first start in his new position against
Edinburgh at the weekend. The Scotland centre asked Wilson in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s 30-15 defeat if they could repeat the experiment in Friday’s rematch.
Jones (pictured) was shifted to 15 for the Pro14 clash after the global pandemic left the Warriors without a starting full-back and Wilson believes there were enough positives from the 26-year-old’s performance to continue with the plan.
‘I spoke to Huw in the changing room afterwards and asked him what he thought,’ said Wilson. ‘He said he really enjoyed it and wants to persist with it. From my end, we do know he has the capabilities and is a world-class 13, too, but he also ticks lots of boxes for a full-back.
‘He got tested on a few things against Edinburgh and there are bits he needs to improve on, like the exit kick late in the game that needed to go off the field but didn’t, which left us exposed. He claimed the majority of high balls although he did come for one that he mistimed.
‘He showed his attacking presence coming into the line and he also showed his ability in his kicking game. I think it is an exciting move for him and overall I thought it is an experiment probably worth persisting with.’
Wilson was also impressed by the debut of second row Richie gray at the start of his second stint at the club after eight years away.
‘I thought Richie looked fit,’ said the glasgow head coach. ‘He didn’t play a lot of rugby towards the tail end of his time in France but in his first game for us I thought he put huge pressure on the Edinburgh line-out.
‘It was a really positive start from him.’