Last post as Murrayfield uprights move stadium

TWO of the most iconic parts of Murrayfield’s history will be removed today and taken to a lucky club stadium somewhere in Scotland.

Chris Paterson: Kicking again. Picture: SNS

The steel posts, which have witnessed Grand Slams in 1984 and 1990, the winning of the last Five Nations Championship in 1999, and victories over South Africa, Australia and all of the home unions and Italy, as well as great moments in schools, club and pro team history, are to be replaced after more than 30 years’ service. And, to mark their retirement from international duty, Scotland’s greatest ever goal-kicker, Chris Paterson, is dusting down his boots, looking out his old kicking tees and handing visitors to the national stadium the chance to have one final kick at goal today.

The stadium will be open from 12 noon until 2pm, and then again at 4pm until 7pm, with all who take a goal-kick at the historic posts invited to give a donation to one of ­rugby’s charities – the Murrayfield ­Centenary Fund, Bill McLaren Foundation, Hearts and Balls or Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Paterson will be joined by Duncan Hodge, who scored all the points in the famous Calcutta Cup win of 2000 and, when the posts are finally dismantled, all clubs in Scotland will be given the opportunity to enter a competition to have the posts installed at their ground by the SRU groundstaff in time for the new season.