Rugby Park in Kilmarnock

Glasgow Warriors have moved this month’s European Rugby Champions Cup fixture with Racing 92 to Rugby Park stadium in Kilmarnock, due to a high risk of the Scotstoun pitch being unplayable next weekend.

The club, in consultation with EPCR, has moved to find an alternative venue for the match in the West of Scotland, following unprecedented rainfall and flooding over the past few weeks. It will also give the Scotstoun pitch the best possible chance of recovering ahead of the next scheduled home game after the European Rugby Champions Cup fixture in 5 weeks time.

The Pool 3 encounter vs Racing 92 will be played on Saturday 23 January (kick-off 17:30 UK Time).

The 18 128 all-seater Rugby Park stadium, which is home to Kilmarnock Football Club, has a World Rugby compliant 3G pitch and hosted the 1st ever Tier 1 rugby international on an artificial surface in November 2014 when Scotland beat Tonga 37 / 12.

Around 6 650 tickets have already been sold for the clash with the Top 14 leaders and an additional 7 500 match tickets will become available tomorrow (Thursday 14 January).

The club has developed a match ticketing plan and the specific details, along with event information will be communicated to season ticket members and match ticket holders tomorrow. Glasgow Warriors season tickets and match tickets will be valid for the game at Rugby Park – season ticket members should bring their cards with them to the match.

Glasgow Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: “We’re disappointed to have to move another game away from our home at Scotstoun, but are pleased to have such a quality venue as Kilmarnock Football Club’s Rugby Park available to host this important European fixture.

“The unprecedented rainfall has flooded the Scotstoun pitch over the past few weeks, despite the best efforts of the club and Glasgow Life.

“Whilst we would prefer to be able to keep the match at Scotstoun, it is clear from the conditions that it is highly unlikely our pitch will be playable next weekend. We’ve taken the decision this week to give our supporters as much notice as possible to make their arrangements to support the team, as well as to provide both teams with certainty for their preparations for the match.”

“The 3G pitch at Rugby Park will give our players the best possible surface and the increased capacity will enable more supporters to attend and get behind the team as the match was heading for a sell-out at Scotstoun.”

“I’d like to thank everyone at Kilmarnock Football Club for being so accommodating and we look forward to staging a Glasgow Warriors European home match in Ayrshire for the 1st time.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “Naturally we’re disappointed we can’t play this match at Scotstoun, but we’re glad a decision has been made early in order to safeguard the game and help our supporters make appropriate plans.”

Kilmarnock Football Club director Michael Johnston added: “Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to welcome Glasgow Warriors to Rugby Park for their crucial European Rugby Champions Cup match against Racing 92.

“Having hosted Scotland vs Tonga in the world’s 1st full international rugby union match played on a synthetic pitch in November 2014, everyone at the club is looking forward to this prestigious event.

“Founded in 1869, Kilmarnock Football Club evolved from a sports club which featured rugby, so it’s fitting that rugby is coming home to Rugby Park.”

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