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| |  Thursday, 25 April, 2002, 14:16 GMT 15:16 UK Edinburgh prepared for Challenge St Helens are aiming to retain the Challenge Cup The Challenge Cup final will be shown live on BBC One from 1400 BST on Saturday. Edinburgh's Murrayfield stadium is accustomed to hosting big games and hordes of noisy rugby fans. This weekend is no different in that regard, but the hordes will be rugby league supporters rather than fans of the union discipline. The Challenge Cup final returns to Murrayfield this year after first being held there two years ago. Scotland is not exactly steeped in the rugby league tradition, yet Murrayfield has already earned a place in the hearts of league fans. When the Bradford Bulls played Leeds Rhinos two years ago, tens of thousands of fans from the north of England flocked over the border to support their teams. It seems the welcome they received puts Murrayfield well ahead of Twickenham, where last year's final was held, in terms of a final venue.
Bradford Bulls spokesman Stuart Duffy was at the 2000 final and last year's final at Twickenham. He said: "For all London's importance the atmosphere in Edinburgh was tremendous with Bradford and Leeds fans mingling in the city centre. "The fans really loved Murrayfield and any Bulls supporter would say hold the final at Murrayfield for the rest of its life." The feeling appears to be mutual. Lothian and Borders police say the fans were a joy to have in the city. Chief superintendent Charles Michie, in charge of policing the final, said: "100,000 people altogether are expected from the north of England. "Two years ago it was an excellent weekend. Rugby league fans have a reputation for setting out to enjoy themselves. There is obviously rivalry, but it's good natured." The tens of thousands of visitors to the city also bring a welcome boost to the Edinburgh economy.
A spokesperson said: "We welcome the good-natured fun that the rugby league fans bring to the city." The Scottish Rugby Union, owners of Murrayfield, also benefits financially from allowing the final to be hosted there. "It is a welcome boost for our funds," said SRU spokesman Graham Law. Success "The SRU is always keen to showcase the stadium and talk to other sports or promoters of other events, with the proviso that it does not detract from our main purpose, rugby union." The Challenge Cup final is shown live in several countries around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and parts of the United States. While Edinburgh and Murrayfield are internationally renowned names, any publicity is good publicity in this case. Equally, by bringing their showpiece final to Scotland, rugby league further enhances its profile north of the border, building on the success of the Rugby League World Cup two years ago. Last time round, approximately 5& of tickets sold went to Scots and rugby league chiefs are optimistic that figure will be increased this year. | |
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