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

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

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.

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.”