Storm Kathleen forces Edinburgh to move Bayonne match to Murrayfield

Edinburgh have moved their European Challenge Cup tie against Bayonne on Saturday evening to Murrayfield due to Storm Kathleen.

The round-of-16 tie was to be played at the Hive Stadium next door to Murrayfield, but the venue has been switched because of the strong winds which are set to hit Edinburgh on Saturday.

Edinburgh said their operations team and Scottish Rugby health and safety officials had been in contact with the Met Office to discuss the impact of the yellow warning for wind. The game’s 8pm kick-off time remains unchanged.

Tonight’s EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 match against Aviron Bayonnais has been moved to Scottish Gas Murrayfield due to Storm Kathleen.

We thank fans for their patience and urge you to take care when travelling to the ground.

More info ➡️ https://t.co/8loRihwQQr pic.twitter.com/KU82WVkdaf

— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) April 6, 2024

“The safety of our fans, players, and people is paramount,” Edinburgh Rugby managing director Douglas Struth said.

“Unfortunately, Storm Kathleen and the worsening weather forecast has meant that the only way to now play this match safely and securely is in the bigger main bowl at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“We’re obviously very disappointed not to be playing in our home, Hive Stadium, but I hope that people will understand.

“We know our fans love Hive Stadium, and the atmosphere we’ve built there over the past two seasons is second to none, but I’d encourage all our supporters to bring that same passion and energy to the main bowl this evening.

“There is still a lot of work to be done today to make this move happen, and there will inevitably be some compromises from our normal matchday experience.

“I’d like to thank our fans and our visitors from Bayonne in