Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield sold out

The SRU reported that the waiting list for the Calcutta Cup match on 4 February, launching the 2012 RBS Six Nations Championship campaign, had closed and the only tickets remaining are those due to debenture and other rights holders.

The union issued a statement thanking supporters and also revealing that a new “seat-finder” plan allowing supporters to choose their seat in the stadium has also been launched, with tickets still available for the other home game, against World Cup finalists France. It is all part of a drive by the new management team to create a more fan-friendly approach to Scottish rugby matches.

Dominic McKay, the SRU’s director of communications and public affairs, said: “We’d like to thank all of those supporters who have already snapped up tickets for the Calcutta Cup game. It shows what an incredibly in-demand fixture it remains. France will be here just three weeks later and we’re delighted to have put in place the new addition to our website, of the seat finder, in time for that match.”

There is a new simplified booking process on a clickable version of Murrayfield on the Scottish Rugby website, which reveals which seats are available. The SRU also stated that the limit of tickets per sale had been doubled from four to eight in response to complaints that it was difficult for families and big groups of friends to book tickets to sit together. McKay added: “We recognise how rugby, the RBS Six Nations in particular, is a real highlight for many people in the post-Christmas social calendar. We want to make it as easy as possible for people and families to get together, enjoy a fantastic day out and support the national team.”

The inventiveness is also apparent at the professional teams with Edinburgh yesterday offering a pair of tickets for the 1872 Cup derbies with Glasgow for £18.72, to the first 500 who signed up. The first cup match will be at Murrayfield on Boxing Day with the return at Firhill on New Year’s Day, both 5.35pm kick-offs.