Hallowed Murrayfield

Since its triumphant inauguration in 1925, the arena of the Scottish XV has echoed to the feats of the players whose jersey is adorned by the thistle.

104,000. Murrayfield can be proud of its record crowd for a rugby match. March 1975, Scotland dominated a Wales side still in their glory years by a whisker (12-10) in what one has no doubt imaging was a stadium roaring its head off. The record is unlikely to be bettered as not long afterwards the Scottish authorities decided to reduce the sails of their flagship. In line with stadia built in recent years, Murrayfield and its 67,500 capacity has adapted to the sporting and economic logic of the times.

A Grand Slam inauguration

If Scotland’ first international dates back to March 1871, one has to wait 44 years and 1925 to see her playing in what has become its sanctuary. Built on land belonging to the Edinburgh Polo Club, Murrayfield was inaugurated with a symbolic victory. Having beaten France in their last match at Inverleith - their homeground since 1897 - victories over Wales and Ireland gave their 70,000 supporters the first Grand Slam in their history after overcoming England 14-11. Scots had to wait until 1984 and 1990 for their other Grand Slam triumphs even if the Flower of Scotland, the fans’ very own anthem, rang out to celebrate other victories, including the 1929 series. That same year Sir David McGowan, a former SRU president, donated a clock which today looks down from the East stand.

Twelve years of labour

Renovation started in 1982 and was completed 12 years later in 1994. Entirely under cover, the new Murrayfield has been the stage for several disappointments for visitors: France in 1984, 1986 and 1988, England in 1990 and 2000, Ireland in 2001 slipped on the last step leading to a Grand Slam. The Rugby World Cup also stopped by in 1999 with a notable quarter-final which saw New Zealand overcome brave Scotland 30-18. Latterly, in 2005, Stade Toulousain clinched their third European Rugby Cup at the expense of Stade Francais, floored 18-12 in extra-time. Murrayfield likes to stretch out the suspense.

Useful information

Address
Edinburgh
EH12 5PJ
Tel: 0131 346 5000

Access
By plane: Edinburgh airport
By train: Waverley Rail Station
By car: A8 Motorway
By bus: From Princes Street, lines 12, 22, 26, and 31, destination West End

Key figures
Capacity: 68,000