Have you ever felt the thrill of a packed stadium? Myreside Stadium in Edinburgh isn’t just a sports ground. It’s a place where history and sporting passion intertwine. Since 1933 Watsonians RFC have called Myreside their home. Their first match at New Myreside was a memorable event. They played against Royal High School FP Rugby Club on March 4 1933. The stadium’s name comes from a local farm. This shows the area’s long connection to the land.
Myreside Stadium has seen its share of famous teams. Edinburgh Rugby played there from 1996 to 1998. Then the Edinburgh Reivers played there from 1999 to 2002. These matches included Pro12 Pro14 and European Rugby Challenge Cup games. Imagine the roar of the crowd during those intense matches. The stadium’s main stand is on the west side. Floodlights illuminate the grass pitch for night games.
In 2017 Edinburgh Rugby returned to Myreside. Temporary stands were added to increase the capacity to 13799. This was a huge undertaking. The temporary stands were placed as close as possible to the dead-ball lines. The move to Myreside was a trial for six months. It was a partnership with George Watson’s College. This partnership allowed the team to downscale from Murrayfield. The facilities at Myreside are aging but the atmosphere is electric.
Edinburgh Rugby planned to play at least nine home matches at Myreside for three seasons. However plans changed. In February 2018 Edinburgh Rugby announced they would return to Murrayfield. Myreside would no longer be their home venue. This marked the end of an era for the stadium. Yet Myreside Stadium’s legacy remains. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of rugby in Edinburgh. It continues to play an important role in the city’s sporting scene. Myreside stadium is more than just a stadium. It is part of Edinburgh’s rich history. It is a place where memories are made and legends are born.