Glasgow Warriors and SRU exploring potential U-turn on Murrayfield as URC final venue
Edinburgh stadium had previously been ruled out as an option due to Zach Bryan concert
Glasgow Warriors could yet play the 2026 URC final at Murrayfield should they qualify for the showpiece match.
The Edinburgh stadium had previously been ruled out as an option due to country music star Zach Bryan performing there just six days prior to the scheduled date for the fixture. However, The Scotsman understands that Scottish Rugby are exploring the possibility of turning the venue around in time for the contest.
The biggest issue facing them would be the time it takes to de-rig the stage following Bryan’s performance. If they can overcome that hurdle then the 67,000-plus capacity stadium could yet be ready in time but discussions over the feasibility of doing so are at a very early stage.
Glasgow Warriors being push towards 2026 URC final with visit of Connacht to Scotstoun
Of course, it is a moot point if Franco Smith’s side do no reach the final. They begin their play-off journey with the visit of Connacht to Scotstoun next Friday, May 29.
Warriors will then be temporarily evicted from their home ground as the Commonwealth Games take over. Should they win their quarter-final match then Murrayfield will host the semi-final where they would face either Munster or Vodacom Bulls on the weekend of June 6.
The home of Scottish Rugby will then be set up for the Grammy Award winning singer’s show on June 14. With the URC final due to be played on June 20 it’s an incredibly tight turnaround to try and get things back in place to host a rugby match.
With several other venues across Scotland, including Hampden Park and Celtic Park where Warriors have played in the past, also unavailable the preferred option for their potential ‘home’ final was Belfast’s Affidea Stadium. However, there has been no official confirmation from the tournament organisers that this would be an acceptable solution and there has been speculation that failure to nominate a ‘suitable’ venue could see home advantage given to the opposing team.
Warriors earned the right to have home advantage in the final, should the get there, by finishing top of the URC standings at the end of the regular season. A 26-22 win away to Ulster ensured they locked in first place ahead of Leinster in second and DHL Stormers in third.
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