Work begins on Edinburgh Rugby’s new mini-Murrayfield stadium

Edinburgh players past and present gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony as work began on the club’s new 7,800-capacity stadium on the back pitches at BT Murrayfield.

Andy Irvine, Allan Jacobson, Tim Visser and Jack Blain at the groundbreaking ceremony for Edinburgh Rugby's new stadium, at BT Murrayfield. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS

Record appearance holder Allan Jacobsen (286 matches), who joined record try-scorer Tim Visser, Scotland legend Andy Irvine and current player Jack Blain, said: “To get a stadium built, right here at BT Murrayfield, will be brilliant, not just for the players, but for the fans, too. Just to have one home, with a tight, smaller atmosphere will be fantastic. I’m really looking forward to coming down to watch.”

Irvine added: “It’s a hugely exciting time to be an Edinburgh Rugby supporter and I’m looking forward to getting behind the team in a brilliant new home for the club.”

Visser – who scored a record 60 tries during his five seasons in the Capital – said: “It’s the perfect time for the club to make that move to a permanent, new home.

“It’s definitely going help the club build a great atmosphere and just having that one place where the club can continue to build its identity will make a massive difference.

“I’m really looking forward to coming down on a Friday night with Chunk, having a couple of beers and hopefully watching a few big wins. It’s a really positive step for the club.”