Rugby

Murrayfield Stadium celebrates 100 years, and to mark the occasion Scottish Rugby has released a new playing top, paying homage to those worn a century ago. For a century, Murrayfield has been more than just a stadium,it’s been the beating heart of Scottish rugby, echoing with triumph, heartbreak, and hope. It stands as a symbol of national pride, uniting generations through the shared rhythm of the game. I thought it would be fitting to take a trip back through my own experiences of the stadium, the matches that stand out for me and the memories that have made Murrayfield such a special place in my life. Murrayfield has always held a special place in my heart. I’vebeen lucky enough to attend matches there since I was a young boy, going along with my family or on big club trips with the Cartha Queens Park Minis. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching the world’s best teams play at Murrayfield and witnessing some unforgettable Scottish victories. This autumn, Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentinaand Tonga for the Autumn Series. All eyes will, of course, be on New Zealand, a team Scotland have never beaten. The closest we’ve come were two draws, both at Murrayfield, in 1964 (0–0) and 1983 (25–25). That’s 32 Tests in total: 30 All Black wins, 0 Scotland wins, and 2 draws. Could this November finally be the time? Some say Scotland have their best chance yet, with the All Blacks not at their dominant best, though still ranked No. 2 in the world while Scotland sit at No. 8. But Murrayfield is a special place in November, a place where upsets can happen. Beginnings at Murrayfield When I was 16, I started working for Scottish Rugby as a Modern Apprentice, a two-year programme that set me on the path I’m still on today, working in Rugby Development for West of Scotland FC, a club celebrating its own milestone: 160 years of rugby. My very first day as an apprentice was spent at Murrayfield, meeting in one of the suites. I couldn’t believe my luck. We were given a brief tour of the stadium, quiet and still, unlike those electric matchdays. My excitement grew even further when I was told that part of the apprenticeship included two complimentary tickets to every Scotland home game. My parents had taken me and my brothers to Murrayfield for years, with tickets often coming through school or club connections. I was lucky enough to be there for Scotland’s victories over France and England in 2006, the first time I truly felt that spark of Scottish hope: maybe we could really compete in the Six Nations. That hope still burns bright, rising and falling each year. Maybe 2026 will be our year with the same fixtures as 2006, England and France both at home. Those two tickets from Scottish Rugby would continue to bring me joy for many years, as I remained involved in the game and worked alongside the organisation for over 16 years. I’ve attended countless Six Nations matches and even more Autumn Tests. I feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed so much rugby at Murrayfield. A Brief History Murrayfield Stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland, the fifth largest in the UK, and the 22nd largest in Europe, with a capacity of 67,144. It officially opened on 21 March 1925 with a Scotland v England match, Scotland won that day and secured the Grand Slam. Not a bad start for their new home! The land was purchased by the SRU from Edinburgh Polo Club. Before Murrayfield, international matches were played at Inverleith, the home of Stewart’s Melville RFC, from 1899. However, Inverleith could no longer accommodate the growing number of spectators. During the Second World War, Murrayfield was offered to the nation and used as a supply depot by the Royal Army Service Corps. The record attendance at Murrayfield came on 1 March 1975, when Scotland defeated Wales 12–10 in the Five Nations — a world record crowd at the time. Over the years, the stadium has evolved dramatically. The original stands gave way to modern concrete terraces, floodlights were added in the 1950s, and the East Stand was rebuilt in the 1980s to increase capacity. More recently, upgrades to seating, hospitality areas, and accessibility have ensured Murrayfield remains one of Europe’s premier rugby venues while preserving its traditional character. Over the years, Murrayfield has undergone many transformations and upgrades to become the stadium we know today. Those who remember the old ground will always feel a deep nostalgia for it, especially as the glory days on the pitch were more frequent back then. For me, though, the current stadium is my Murrayfield, from watching my first match there in 2003 (a World Cup warm-up against Ireland) to coaching West of Scotland Women in a Shield Final. The ground holds a special place in my life, as I’m sure it does for thousands of others. My Top Games Scotland v South Africa | 2010 | Autumn Tests One of my favourite Murrayfield memories came in 2010, when Scotland hosted the reigning world and Tri Nations champions, South Africa. Scotland edged a scrappy 21–17 win in wet conditions. Unlike today, where we’re spoiled with tries, those 21 points came entirely from the boot of Dan Parks, six penalties and a drop goal. Parks was a player who divided opinion, sometimes cheered, sometimes booed, but on this day, he was the hero. Beating the world champions reignited that familiar Scottish flame of hope once again. Scotland v Australia | 2017 | Autumn Tests In 2017, Scotland tore Australia apart, winning 53–24, a match packed with attacking flair and confidence. A red card for Australia just before half-time (while they were leading 12–10) swung the momentum entirely. Tries came from everywhere: Ali Price darting through, Sean Maitland sprinting 50 metres, Johnny Gray strolling under the posts, a young Huw Jones scoring yet again, John Barclay bulldozing over, and Stuart