Venue change | Managing Director update

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, provides more information for supporters regarding Friday night's game with USA Perpignan.

Dear Warrior Nation,

I’d like to provide some more information regarding our decision to move Friday night’s match to BT Murrayfield.

Firstly, we were determined to make the game happen at Scotstoun Stadium. Since Sunday, a team of ground professionals, including our own staff, the ground team from BT Murrayfield and a team from local artificial grass specialists, CY Turf, worked on thawing the pitch.

Through their efforts, we had defrosted the top layer and were able to maintain a thawed surface, however, the sand below was more difficult to defrost and with the persisting cold weather it was simply not going to be possible to make the surface playable.

Our next priority was to make sure we had an alternative solution that gives the game the best chance of going ahead. We looked at options with the tournament organisers, and the decision we arrived at ensures the game can be played in line with EPCR competition regulations and gives our players the best opportunity to play this important fixture in our EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.

We are fortunate to have BT Murrayfield at our disposal, not just from the point of view of the pitch, but through support of Scottish Rugby colleagues who can help to provide a smooth transition to logistically get the game on when moving it away from Scotstoun.

We understand that the solution to move the game to BT Murrayfield is less-than-ideal, taking it away from our home city, with the ongoing train strikes, and the weather warning that is in place for the central belt on Friday.

Therefore, we are offering all Season Ticket Members a pro-rata refund for this game, and all match ticket purchasers a full refund, if you cannot attend. Shortly, you will receive an email with more information on how to claim these. In addition, match tickets will go back on sale this afternoon where supporters can purchase tickets for unreserved seating in the west stand, or for disabled or easy-access seating within BT Murrayfield.

We have secured two buses, which will collect people from and return them to stops at Glasgow Queen Street, Kilmarnock, Ayr, and Whitecraigs tomorrow night. Our operations department are continuing to source other buses.

More information on times for these buses and how to secure a seat will be provided soon, please keep an eye on our social media channels and Match Day Information email for up-to-date information and alternative public-transport options for travelling to and from Edinburgh.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to work tirelessly, both in the club, and from Perpignan and EPCR, to make sure this game goes ahead under these challenging circumstances.

I also want to thank you for your continuing support to the club. We are proud of our city and representing the west of Scotland and we always want to be playing in front of our home support at Scotstoun Stadium and look forward to being back soon.

Thanks for your support,

Al Kellock

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director