As Glasgow Warriors prepare for their 1872 Cup derby with Edinburgh Rugby at Hampden on Sunday 22 December, let’s look backs at the rugby memories from the national football stadium, in years gone by.
Glasgow Warrior Centurion and Warrior #64, Donnie McFadyen, are interviewed by Glasgowwarriors.org this week.
Donnie’s rugby career began at Hampden on Saturday, November 20, 2004, when he started in the back row for Scotland against Australia while donning the number seven shirt. Scotland had played the 2003 World Cup finalists four times in as many months that year.
“The realization that the Australia game at Hampden was 20 years ago has been shocking,” Donnie continues. I immediately thought of the cramped changing rooms when I received the call; it was obvious that they were made for a starting squad of eleven men, and rugby players use more space than football players. That stands out, which is humorous, but these are the things players notice.
“It was a real honour to play at Hampden, the home of Scottish football. Of course, playing at Murrayfield was a big deal, but this was different, and I really appreciated the opportunity.
PLAYING ON FOOTBALL PITCHES
“During my career I also enjoyed playing on football pitches generally. I liked to play a fast game, and football pitches were often harder and faster, at least that was my perception, so it suited my style of play.
“Thinking about the game itself, I had won my first cap in 2002, but hadn’t been picked regularly, then it was just before Hampden that I was breaking back in and starting regularly for Scotland.
“That season we had played Australia twice, over there and then they travelled to play us twice. The vintage of that team was incredible too. I mean the likes of Stephen Larkham, Loti Tuqiri, and George Gregan. They were such a strong squad.
“Though we didn’t win, all in all I enjoyed the chance to play at Hampden.”
