Scottish Rugby statement: Government decision on Murrayfield fans

Scottish rugby officials have exhaled a massive sigh of relief following the confirmation that they will be allowed to welcome a full capacity crowd to Murrayfield when Scotland kick off the Guinness Six Nations with a home match versus England on February 5. Sports events had been limited to taking place behind closed doors in recent weeks following a tightening of pandemic regulations by the Scottish Government. 

Having watched the Welsh Government last week decided to maintain its 50 spectators limit on outdoor sports attendance, throwing into jeopardy the plan for the Principality Stadium to host a full capacity crowd versus Scotland on February 12, there were fears that the Scottish Government would adopt a similar stance as the Welsh and restrict fans.  

However, there has been a change of heart in Scotland, prompting relief that the SRU can now finalise plans to cater for a crowd of 67,000 when the Six Nations starts in a few weeks’ time. 

A statement read: “Scottish Rugby has welcomed the confirmation from the Scottish Government that attendance limits on outdoor events will be lifted from next week.

"This will enable the forthcoming Guinness Six Nations matches to go ahead and we continue, as planned, to host England and France at BT Murrayfield, starting with the Calcutta Cup on Saturday, February 5.

"We will continue to support public health measures being implemented in Scotland and work to ensure required mitigations on those attending matches for our professional and national teams are put in place.”

Much improved Scotland are viewed as a promising outside bet to lift the title under coach Gregor Townsend as they won three of their five matches in the 2021 Six Nations tournament, defeating England and France away, while they also enjoyed a victory over the touring Australia in November.