Scottish Rugby is pleased to announce today that the Scotland v Japan international, part of our Autumn Test series, sponsored by Abbey, will be played at McDiarmid Park, Perth.
The home of St Johnstone FC is no stranger to rugby occasions, having hosted A international fixtures and matches involving Caledonia and Glasgow Caledonians in the past decade.
It will become the seventh ground on which Scotland have played an international match on their own soil – following Raeburn Place, Hamilton Crescent, Hampden Park, Powderhall, Inverleith and Murrayfield – and first venue north of the Forth.
The match will be played on Saturday 13 November with a 5.30pm kick-off. Ticket prices will be announced later this week along with venues for other matches in the Autumn Test series sponsored by Abbey.
Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Phil Anderton said today: ‘The Scotland rugby team is the best supported international sports team in the country and we are very aware that many of our supporters travel long distances to cheer on their team.
‘I am delighted therefore that we are able to take the Scotland v Japan match to McDiarmid Park, Perth, a ground which benefits from excellent infrastructure links. Indeed, 90% of the population of Scotland live within 90 minutes of the ground.’
Scotland coach Matt Williams also welcomed today’s announcement. ‘It’s fantastic to be able to take an international game into Caledonia which has produced so many great rugby players. So many of the guys in the current team come from Caledonia and take great pride in their area.’
Phil Anderton added: ‘Once again, as we demonstrated during the summer with the IRB under-21 world championship, this scheduling is possible thanks to the partnership approach that we have followed.
‘Working with Perth and Kinross District Council and St Johnstone FC we have put together a package to bring the game to Perth.’
Councillor Jimmy Doig, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that Scottish Rugby is bringing the Scotland v Japan rugby international to McDiarmid Park in Perth.
‘The council has been working closely with Scottish Rugby and St Johnstone FC to make this happen and it reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing high quality events to Perthshire.
‘I am sure that supporters from across Perthshire and Scotland will take full advantage of our excellent, central location to come to Perth and see their national team in action.’
Stewart Duff, managing director of St Johnstone FC, said: ‘I am delighted that we will be hosting the Scotland v Japan test match. This is a great honour for St Johnstone FC.’
For further information please contact
Graham Law
0131 346 5164