‘Silver Saturday’ to shine again

Scottish Rugby has confirmed its recent festival of club and professional rugby ‘Silver Saturday’ will return next season.

The packed day of rugby at BT Murrayfield on 28 April broke crowd attendance records with over 25,000 fans flocking to Scotland’s largest stadium to see the best domestic teams play for silverware followed by the 1872 Cup decider, and Guinness PRO14, match between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors.

The same format is planned for the conclusion of the 2018/19 season with the Scottish derby between its two professional clubs being hosted by Scottish Rugby at BT Murrayfield.

Discussions with PRO14 Rugby are in progress to retain the festive 1872 double-header fixtures for the ‘home’ and ‘away’ games between Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors, with the ‘Silver Saturday’ match remaining as the deciding leg.

Fans will also have the opportunity to enjoy a feast of rugby through a packed schedule of matches which will see clubs from across the country compete in their respective BT Cup, Shield and Plate finals and the best of Scotland’s Women’s teams playing for the Sarah Beaney Cup.

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer Dominic McKay said: “I’d like to thank the fans who turned up in their thousands to help make our first ‘Silver Saturday’ at BT Murrayfield such a record-breaking success.

“The passion and enthusiasm were there from the first match through to the last, with Edinburgh securing the 1872 Cup with a thrilling win over Glasgow to conclude an unforgettable day of rugby.

“From the success of this season’s event we are very excited to confirm another ‘Silver Saturday’ for next season and I’m sure it will grow to be a significant date in the Scottish rugby calendar.”

Edinburgh lifted the 1872 Cup with a 24-19 victory over city rivals Glasgow Warriors in a pulsating match at the inaugural ‘Silver Saturday’ on 28 April.

Earlier in the day Melrose sealed a league and cup double with victory over Stirling County in the BT Cup Final (12-45).

Hillhead Jordanhill retained their title in the Sarah Beaney Cup as they beat Watsonians (68-12).

Ross Sutherland had opened the day’s proceedings with a win in the BT Bowl Final against Wigtownshire (12-3).

Oban Lorne secured the BT Women’s Bowl on the back pitches of BT Murrayfield Stadium with a 45-5 win over Garioch.

In the BT Women’s Plate final, Glasgow University were crowned winners over Greenock Wanderers (34-17).

Carrick won their third consecutive BT Men’s Shield beating Hawick Harlequins in their respective final (39-19).

Ticketing information for the 2019 ‘Silver Saturday’ event will be issued in due course.