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Edinburgh going nowhere quick with their new stadium plan

An artist impression of what Edinburgh's planned stadium at Murrayfield could look like

Edinburgh have confirmed their plans to construct a new purpose-built 7,800-seater stadium on the back pitches at BT Murrayfield are still waiting to get the all-clear, meaning they will spend the 2018/19 season playing in the 67,144-capacity national team arena. 

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The club had applied for planning permission on May 31, 2018, along with the necessary building warrants from the City of Edinburgh Council. That planning permission was received four months later on September 21. However, there is still no sign yet of a successful conclusion with the council in the building warrant process.

Edinburgh and Scottish Rugby insist they remain committed to delivering a new stadium for the city’s professional rugby team and will continue to work proactively with their project consultants and the council to make this happen.

In a statement, the club said: “In order to assist with planning for the forthcoming season and to provide clarity for supporters around ticket prices and season ticket memberships, the club will continue playing on the international pitch into the new campaign.

“Season ticket members from the 2018/19 season onwards will have priority when transferring to the new stadium and further details on this process will be communicated at the appropriate time.

“The club thanks fans for their patience as it works towards providing a suitable long-term home for the club and its supporters.”

Edinburgh have been seeking to develop their own small-capacity stadium at Murrayfield following the failed experiment at Myreside. 

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Frustrated by sparse attendances at Murrayfield, they entered a three-year deal with Watsonians to use a facility with a 5,500 capacity. However, the arrangement was short lived. 

Edinburgh’s Viliame Mata is tackled by Munster’s Arno Botha and Niall Scannell in last month’s Champions Cup quarter-final at Murrayfield, a fixture attracted an attendance in excess of 35,000 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The stadium was deemed unsuitable for their bigger Champions Cup games and the PRO14 derby with Glasgow, while poor weather conditions also had a negative impact. 

It left the club returning to Murrayfield on a permanent basis and deciding to explore the construction of their own ground on the national rugby HQ back pitch. 

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Hellhound 40 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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