Rugby story by Georgina Scane, Sat, 03 Dec 2005 10:12:00 GMT


The inter-city rugby clash between Glasgow and Edinburgh will be staged at Partick Thistle FC ground in Glasgow on Saturday afternoon.

According to Gordon McKie, the chief executive of the Scotland Rugby Union, the dispute between SRU and the Hillhead/Jordanhill Sports Club, who own the Hughenden ground could lead to a legal tussle as both parties accused each other of a breach of contract. Actually, this led Glasgow to play their home matches henceforth at Firhill.

McKie said the crisis precipitated when the union wanted a licence to sell alcohol on the ground to supporters so that it would let spectators have a drink and watch the games. The Hillhead club did not agree to it and consequently no one was able to drink before, during or after Glasgow's Heineken Cup game against Leinster Lions in October.

Hillhead then sent a letter last week to SRU giving it 21 days' notice, which also stated that SRU had to renegotiate the three-year deal, that had been agreed upon a few months before and an increase in rent payment failing which the union should give up the ground. This forced the union to abandon Hughenden and switch over to Firhill.

GLASGOW coach Hugh Campbell praised the ground and facilities at Firhill: “I think we will benefit enormously from playing at Firhill. The facilities are fantastic and the pitch is extremely wide. That suits our style of play.” He added: “The supporters will also enjoy the comforts of a modern stadium.”

This match in Firhill is very vital for players staking a claim to a place in the test team of Scotland.

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