Benetton v Edinburgh Rugby to go ahead after all but with tributes to Queen

Edinburgh Rugby’s match against Benetton in Italy will go ahead this evening after all.
Edinburgh's pre-season friendly against Benetton in Italy has been given the green light.  (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)Edinburgh's pre-season friendly against Benetton in Italy has been given the green light.  (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Edinburgh's pre-season friendly against Benetton in Italy has been given the green light. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

The SRU announced on Thursday night that all matches in Scotland this weekend had been called off “as a mark of respect, and to acknowledge the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen”. This included Glasgow Warriors’ game against Ulster which was due to be played tonight.

The governing body said it was awaiting “government advice” regarding the Edinburgh game.

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The club have now confirmed that the pre-season friendly in Treviso will be played, but with tributes to the Queen.

A statement from Edinburgh said: “Further to recent UK Government guidance, both sets of players and staff will observe a minute’s silence pre-game, and wear black armbands throughout, as a mark of respect and to acknowledge the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen .

“Scottish Rugby supports the decision to play given the scope available for discretion around sporting fixtures in guidance issued earlier.

“The club’s own coverage of the fixture will be limited to acknowledging the outcome of the game, as a further mark of respect to Her Majesty’s the Queen’s passing.”

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The match is Edinburgh’s final warm-up game before the United Rugby Championship begins next week, with the capital club playing host to Dragons in their opener at the DAM Health Stadium on September 17.

Douglas Struth, Edinburgh Rugby managing director, added: “Her Majesty The Queen’s dedication and service to public life was unmatched and we will remember her with respect in Italy this evening.

“We would like to thank our colleagues at Benetton who’ve been understanding throughout this period and for their support in ensuring tonight’s fixture marks the significance of this moment appropriately.

“The club’s heartfelt condolences remain with the Royal Family at this time.”

A live stream of the match at Stadio Comunale di Monigo is available on a pay-per-view basis for five euros, with coverage starting at 6.20pm BST.

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