Glasgow’s rugby title bid could be at Ibrox

IBROX has emerged as a possible venue for staging the biggest match in Glasgow Warriors’ history as they bid to win their first major rugby title.
The showdown a week on Saturday could be staged at Ibrox. Picture: Johnston PressThe showdown a week on Saturday could be staged at Ibrox. Picture: Johnston Press
The showdown a week on Saturday could be staged at Ibrox. Picture: Johnston Press

The home of Rangers is already hosting the Rugby Sevens event at this summer’s Commonwealth Games, and may be pressed into action as a rugby arena even sooner. If Glasgow beat Munster in Friday’s Pro12 semi-final at Scotstoun – and if Ulster beat Leinster 24 hours later – Gregor Townsend’s side will earn home advantage in the Grand Final.

Tournament rules dictate that the showdown a week on Saturday must be staged at a venue with a capacity of at least 18,000, so club chiefs would have to borrow a football stadium. As Celtic Park and Hampden will be gearing up for the Commonwealth Games, Ibrox and the aptly-named Rugby Park (capacity 18,100) would be the only two options in or around the city.

A Glasgow spokesman refused to comment when asked if they have had talks with Rangers or Kilmarnock, while Townsend said “We’ll see what happens if we were to win our semi.”