Rugby: Edinburgh to play Quins at Myreside

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 09:58

EDINBURGH Rugby will break new ground with a friendly against Guinness Premiership runners-up Harlequins to launch the new season. And, as revealed in the Evening News, Edinburgh will take the fixture, on Saturday 22 August at 3.00pm, to a Premiership ground – the Myreside home of Watsonians.

International back-row forward Ally Hogg believes the friendly against Quins, who have qualified for the Heineken European Cup and whose stars include England and Lions winger Ugo Monye, will be ideal preparation for Edinburgh as they bid to go one better than the runners-up spot they achieved in the Magners League last season.

Hogg said: "We are looking forward to playing Harlequins.

They throw the ball about like we do and it should be an entertaining game for the supporters.

"In terms of preparation, I'm sure it will stand us in good stead for the season ahead and help us to see where we are in terms of overall sharpness and fitness levels."

Last season, Edinburgh kicked off with a friendly victory over then English champions Wasps in front of 4,250 at Murrayfield and, this time around, they could be parading their talents for the first time in front of a new coach.

Edinburgh's vice captain believes that glamour warm-up matches against high-profile opposition are beneficial to the growth of the club.

He added: "I didn't play in the friendly against Wasps last season, but it was a good spectacle for the fans.

"We've put in some hard work in pre-season and everything is building up towards the start of the new campaign. Hopefully, with a new head coach on board, we can improve on what we achieved last season."

The Harlequins game could potentially be the first opportunity for Edinburgh supporters to see summer signings, Ross Samson, Steve Jones, David Young and Tim Visser in action.

Ticket prices will be 20 for adults (15 if pre-purchased); concessions (students and senior citizens) 10, and Juniors (under-18) 5. Season Ticket holders can get free admission to the match.

Edinburgh will also face Newcastle Falcons in a warm-up match away at Kingston Park on Friday, 28 August (kick-off 7.45pm) before the start of the Magners League season.