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Wednesday, 4th November 2009 Change Date Latest Issue

Rugby: Edinburgh's second chance in Europe is backed by fans

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Published Date: 16 June 2009
CHANGES which will add spice to European club rugby were today given the thumbs up by a Scottish fans' group chief, writes BILL LOTHIAN.
As from next season, three teams who narrowly miss out on qualification for the premier Heineken Cup will automatically enter the second tier Challenge Cup at the quarter-final stage.

The existing Heineken Cup knockout qualification of six pool wi
nners and two best runners-up will remain with the remaining teams playing the five Challenge Cup group winners.

While obviously hoping that Edinburgh and Glasgow will proceed to the main event, Neil Hunter, spokesman for the Forum of Scottish Rugby Supporters, said: "Anything that helps Scottish teams at the moment is desperately needed and if it isn't the Heineken Cup then hopefully they can be involved in the Challenge Cup instead of dropping out in January as has been the case too often in the recent past."

It is hoped that the changes will help give the second tier tournament added profile.

Another major boost for the Challenge Cup is that the winner of the tournament will earn an additional Heineken Cup spot for their country. The winner of the European Challenge Cup automatically qualifies for the following season's Heineken Cup.

But organisers have also made sure that English and French clubs don't start to dominate European rugby's premier tournament by introducing a limit of seven teams from those countries competing in the Heineken Cup.





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  • Last Updated: 16 June 2009 11:30 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Edinburgh rugby
 
1

Buccaneer,

Stirling 16/06/2009 11:30:57
This is good news for clubs who are edging their way up the order. All we have to do is win the games - come on you Gunners!
2

Hamish B,

Edinburgh 16/06/2009 12:23:00
I've been to watch Edinburgh twice at Murrayfield and enjoyed it both times but i am somewhat disappointed that the attendances are so low. Still don't know why people are not willing to come along to watch Edinburgh when 1) tickets are pricey 2) We are supporting Edinburgh rugby and Scottish rugby as a whole 3) A lot of the Scotland players play for Edinburgh 4) Murrayfield is a great place to be.

I think there really needs to be a big advertising drive to get more people to watch matches.
3

Hamish B,

Edinburgh 16/06/2009 12:23:53
TICKETS AREN'T PRICEY I MEAN'T SORRY FOLKS!!. £15 QUID ISN'T A LOT FOR A GAME WHEN PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO PAY UP TO £50 FOR FOOTBALL!!
4

AlastairS,

16/06/2009 12:37:15
Especially if you buy a season ticket which is great value.
5

G1983,

16/06/2009 12:49:15
The reason I don't go to more Edinburgh games is that I live in Aberdeen! I'd have to take a half day of work on a Friday, plus spend upwards of £30 on travel to go to an Edinburgh game. I go when I can but it's not very often at all.

That must be the case for a lot of people, even if they're not as far afield as Aberdeen travelling for a Friday evening kick off could be a problem.

Also, I think more people would go if the games were held in smaller grounds. I was at the Glasgow game on boxing day and the atmopshere was terrible - and that was a record crowd! Play the games alternately at Meggetland, Malleny etc and we might see more punters...

I'd love a pro team in or near Aberdeen, but that seems to be nothing more than a pipe dream now.
6

Robin Purdie,

16/06/2009 13:31:15
#2/3

I'm one of the people who would be a regular at Edinburgh ML and HC games, but quite simply will not go and sit in a souless, empty 67,500 capacity stadium.

The sooner they find an alternative to Murrayfield the better.

I actually think £15 is a bit steep as well, given thats what I paid to watch 3 games of RL, one of which was Wigan v Saints.
7

Jambo1954,

Edinburgh 16/06/2009 14:33:40
#2&3
Tickets are now £20 for the coming season if you turn up on the night.
When have you ever paid £50 to get into football? Get out a bit.
Turned up twice and then wonder why Edinburgh Rugby (not the Gunners any more)don't get more support. Have a word with yourself.
8

wee leeves,

16/06/2009 15:39:13
Problem being Edinburgh now have upwards of 2000 season ticket holders so they have to be able to offer all season ticket holders a seat in a stand preotected from the elements!! There is no other rugby ground in Edinburgh that could offer that. The football grounds are also not a realistic option if trying to create an atmosphere!! Then there is Meadowbank that is alomost as soulless as Murrayfield when there is only couple of thousand there!! Pitches are never the best when there is a running track between the stand and the playing surface!!! Murrayfield is not the answer but where else is without going down the route of a purpose bulit ground???
9

Robin Purdie,

16/06/2009 16:02:24
# 8

I see your point to be fair, but something needs to happen somewhere because they're never going to get an average gate of 5,000+ at Murrayfield.

It's a double edged sword in that case. Some will say "well they got 12000+ against glasgow" but i'd wager that 7000+ were there with a free ticket.

Could they not build a temporary, covered stand (like Newcastle faclons did) at one of the club grounds? I for 1 would purchase a season ticket.
10

Sidewinder,

16/06/2009 17:59:14
That would be a solution Robin, but it has all been looked at. All the club grounds which are large enough (Myreside, Goldenacre, Inverleith) are all needed for athletics as they are owned by public schools. A number would also need lighting. Then you run into the changing facilities, turnstiles, medical and tv facilities which would not be up to professional standards. The only answer is a purpose built venue which is not going to happen. The result is that Edinburgh will not grow any further even with a good marketing effort.
11

Robin Purdie,

16/06/2009 18:23:56
#10

You make some valid points, many of whick I had not thought of.

As you say, it looks like Murrayfield for the foreseeable future.
12

JT,

16/06/2009 19:14:56
why not tynecastle? most games are played on a friday night and alot of other clubs share a ground with football teams.It would mean a better in yer face atmosphere.
13

Robin Purdie,

16/06/2009 19:52:15
#12 JT,

I've often wondered this. Surely Hearts could do with the rent
14

Mobat,

16/06/2009 21:41:18
#12 & #13

The pitch is far too small

 

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