England get improved safety measures before Six Nations clash in Scotland

England will be greeted by improved safety measures on their return to Murrayfield on Saturday as Eddie Jones’s side make their first appearance at Scotland’s stadium since the “bottle-gate” incident, the Guardian understands.

Jones was left furious when one of his senior backroom staff members, Neil Craig, was struck on the head by a beer bottle as England made their way from the team bus to the stadium before their 13-6 win two years ago. Jones appeared to suggest that the bottle had been thrown in England’s direction by a supporter and the Scottish Rugby Union issued a swift apology before Six Nations organisers confirmed they were launching an investigation.

A subsequent video emerged, however, appearing to show the bottle blowing off the concourse, with Storm Ciara in its early stages, and in the direction of the England party rather than being thrown. Jones and England opted against making an official complaint, the SRU pointed to what the video seemed to show and that appeared to be the end of the matter. High winds forecast are again for Saturday’s match, however, and it is understood that netting will be put up to offer both sets of players and the match officials protection upon their arrival.

England’s arrival at Murrayfield has long since been a sideshow of Calcutta Cup matches in Edinburgh with slow-marching bagpipers traditionally part of the spectacle. More than half of England’s starting XV on Saturday have never played a Six Nations match at Murrayfield but Kyle Sinckler, who was part of the side two years ago, recently recalled his experience of arriving at the ground. “I remember coming off the bus once or twice and the fans are giving it to you straight away and chucking certain things,” he said.

“Emo