Mar
03
After a hosting our first Edinburgh Rugby game, what was the community reaction?
Photos Scott Anderson
The final whistle has gone and Edinburgh Rugby recorded a successful first game win over the Ospreys at the home of Boroughmuir Rugby, Meggetland. But how was it received by the Edinburgh Rugby ‘Black and Red Army’ Supporters, the Local Community and our Members?
With the challenges Murrayfield Stadium are tackling in the management of their field, Edinburgh Rugby were in need of a venue to provide a bit of ‘breathing room’ for Murrayfield’s recovery ahead of the next RBS 6 Nations game.
Edinburgh Rugby only having a few options in the city approached the Boroughmuir Rugby Board and Edinburgh Leisure with the request to play their next fixture at Meggetland. After undertaking an impact assessment the Board supported Edinburgh Rugby’s request.
Boroughmuir’s Director of Sponsorship Danny Rutterford commented
“The Edinburgh Rugby game presented a great opportunity for our local and wider community to visit us and experience the great facilities and atmosphere our supporters enjoy each weekend. It did mean our rugby teams would need to support this by changing their training routines, but with this opportunity, it was great to see everyone being so positive and working around the changes.”
Danny went on to say
“We were not sure how the Edinburgh Rugby faithful would respond to a move to Meggetland, but we could be sure they received a warm welcome when they visited.”
As soon as the official announcement was made, rugby fans were taking to social media to express their opinion.
“Have a feeling that there's going to be a great atmosphere at Meggetland this Friday”
“Looking forward to 1st visit to Boroughmuir RFC for Edinburgh vs Ospreys”
Former Boroughmuir player Dougie Fife Tweeted
“Team Run Day! Strange to back at Meggetland where it all started for me . Altho (sic) this time putting on the @EdinburghRugby #goodtimes”
With limited seats/space the game sold out quickly and Edinburgh Rugby even went as far as to contact season ticket holders to find out if they were planning to attend the game.
Fans were building the excitement towards the game even more:
“Great news, can't wait to see Meggetland full of the #BlackNRedArmy on Friday night!!”
The evening went without a hitch with comments around the ground linking the Edinburgh win with the change in location and atmosphere Meggetland created.
Visitors were not only complimentary of the rugby, but also of our refurbished venue that was opened just for the one night to host the fans.
Boroughmuir Venue Manager Claire Corrieri commented
“New visitors to us tonight have said what a great venue we have and were very pleased with the quality of service, food and refreshments we provided. We took some learnings away from the event we will look to build our operations on to ensure we get a good customer service model for our community and members.”
Visitors from across the country also wrote to use to express their thanks after the game.
“Thanks for having us last night folks (Boroughmuir). Great hospitality in the club room after. Worth the trip from Dundee! #blacknredarmy”
So the question for us, was it a success and would we do it again?
Simply, yes.
We leave you with a comment from Welsh International and Osprey’s loose forward Justin Tipuric
"From the Millennium to Meggetland makes the world real."
