Take on Murrayfield of dreams
The deal has been controversial as it would provide a financial boost to each union, but would mean partly surrendering control of the competition.
In addition, a new purposebuilt 7,800-seater stadium is finally set to be built on the grounds’ back pitches to house Edinburgh Rugby – who have been rattling around the main stadium for years – as well as other sporting events and concerts.
It had been hoped the arena would be ready in time for the start of this season, which began on Saturday when Edinburgh hosted Zebre, but construction was delayed amind a planning wrangle. Work is now expected to start next month.
Scottish Rugby is planning an economic impact assessment to ascertain how much money the organisation generates for the wider Scottish economy.
“We did it a number of years ago and it was £11m,” said Mckay. “Now, it will be far higher. There are very few organisations that bring that level of sport with that quality of high level spend into the city.” The 1925 Suites – now the Scotland Suites – have had a significant refit.
The Moncreiff Suite honours Francis Moncreiff who was selected to represent Scotland, and captained the side, in the first ever international rugby union game against England in 1871 at Raeburn Place, home of Edinburgh Academicals. George Philip Stewart Macpherson CBE, the captain of the monumental 1925 team that played for the first time at BT Murrayfield, defeating England 14-11 and securing the Grand Slam in the process.
The Cap & Thistle, which will be used by the Scottish Rugby Business Club on match days, highlights two items very much entwined in Scottish Rugby history. Refurbishment of the suites has also allowed for the two main function rooms – the Presidents and the Thistle Suite – to have new bars installed to enhance the match day and non-match day experience for guests.
The Centenary Club is named as such to acknowledge the imminent 100th anniversary of BT Murrayfield due in 2025.