Edinburgh Rugby confirm permanent departure from Myreside

Edinburgh have announced that they will be leaving their Myreside home on a permanent basis.

Edinburgh Rugby have played some matches at Myreside this season. Pic: SNS

The club had already confirmed plans to play the rest of their Guinness PRO14 and European Challenge Cup fixtures at BT Murrayfield, and have now decided to leave Myreside altogether as they seek a new permanent home.

It ends a brief stay at the ground - which is owned by Scottish Premiership side Watsonians – after agreeing a deal just two years ago to move back to the 5,500 capacity venue, which was not big enough to accommodate bumper attendances for either derby or big European games.

The club have exercised an option to cut the stay short immediately and move back to the national stadium – where they have played intermittently this season – following previous concerns that the constant switching of venues was having a negative impact on Richard Cockerill’s squad.

A statement from the club said: “Following a review of the partnership between Edinburgh Rugby and George Watson’s College, it can be confirmed that Edinburgh has exercised its option not to continue using Myreside as the club’s home venue.

“The club and the school have enjoyed a very positive relationship since first exploring the feasibility of moving Edinburgh matches to Myreside two years ago. Both sides look forward to continuing that co-operation in the future.

“Edinburgh Rugby will now continue to develop its ambitious plans for a suitable home venue and will share this vision with supporters as soon as possible.”

The Gunners’ immediate return to Murrayfield has been put on hold after their match against Munster on tonight was cancelled due to heavy snow in the area.