France game at Murrayfield is a sell-out for first time since 1994

SCOTLAND’S improving style of rugby seems to still be winning over the supporters despite another disappointing start to the RBS Six Nations Championship with Murrayfield yesterday putting up the ‘sold-out’ signs for the first time against France in at least 18 years.

French games of the past have often attracted capacity crowds to the Scottish capital but there have always been some empty seats since the stadium was redeveloped in 1994. The capacity has dropped by a few hundred since giant screens were installed two years ago, but Scotland will run out in front of 67,144 fans next Sunday.

The SRU’s director of communications and public affairs Dominic McKay said: “We are delighted to have sold out our two home Scotland matches in this season’s RBS Six Nations Championship. The feedback we received following our enhanced match-day entertainment that we introduced at the game against England has also been very supportive.”

Scotland captain Ross Ford added his appreciation of the backing from supporters, stating: “We’re really grateful to the Scotland fans. The supporters make a huge difference at Murrayfield.”

There are also still spaces left in the car park, priced at £25, and available from the Scottish Rugby website.

Meanwhile, Scotland and Edinburgh rugby stars past and present are turning Stafford Street in Edinburgh’s west end into “Mini Murrayfield” today to give city centre shoppers a French-themed rugby lesson.

Staged between two giant inflatable rugby posts, shoppers will be challenged to a test of skill by Edinburgh and Scotland internationalists, Mike Blair and David Denton, as well as international legends Gavin Hastings and Jim Calder, for the chance to win tickets to the Heineken Cup quarter-final and have their picture taken with the trophy. Murrayfield hosts Top 14 giants Toulouse when they face Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup last eight on Saturday 7 April.

In partnership with City of Edinburgh Council’s ‘Open for Business’ initiative, those welcoming the arrival of the auld alliance will be also be treated to French food stalls and free city centre parking. The fun starts at 11am and runs to 2pm, with the players on the scene from 12.30 to 1.30pm.