Rugby- Go Scotland!

            A semester in Scotland would not be complete without attending a rugby match. So, this past weekend I set out to do just that. We went to the Scotland versus New Zealand match, which is one of the most awaited contests of the year! From Princes Street we took the tram down to Murrayfield Stadium for an evening of cheering and hollering for our team.

Murrayfield Stadium. Go Scotland!

            We arrived at the match grounds by mid-afternoon and spent a couple of hours enjoying the pre-match atmosphere. The surrounding grounds were full of fields where all ages of people played sports and vendors sold fan gear. Across the road there were a series of pop-up pub tents where we watched ongoing matches and cheered along with fans. It was quite the lively atmosphere, prepping us for the very anticipated match ahead. For me personally, this was a great chance to learn a little bit more about rugby prior to watching my very first match.

Our seats were really well located. We spent our time cheering for Scotland with the rest of the crowd!

            We made our way into the stadium as the sun was beginning to set. Cascades of orange and purple streamed across the sky and I knew it would be quite the magical evening. After grabbing a bite to eat, we navigated our way into the stadium and up to our seats. We had a little under an hour until the opening ceremonies began and spent the time catching up on our weekends and learning a little bit more about the sport we were all excited to watch!

Opening cermonies for the big match! The sparking lights and music sent waves of energy and excitement through the stadium!

            It was almost game time! As a prelude to the opening ceremonies, the entire crowd coordinated lighting up the stadium with their cell phones behind a night sky and sporting green field. Sparkles flickered every way I turned and magic streamed through the stadium. This moment invited in the electric spirit that would personify the opening ceremonies and carry into the game. Following this fantastical moment, the opening ceremonies began where each team was called out to the field and players announced. I was particularly excited to see the Hakka. This traditional ceremony invites in the fighter spirit and excites both the team and the crowd for what is soon to be an action packed match. Scotland marched out onto the field and faced the rivaling New Zealand team. In uniform, they performed the chant. I love how one player takes the lead and performs his rendition in which the squad follows. The Hakka ignited the night in the spirit of the sport. The teams marched back to their sidelines for their final preparation of what would be an action packed match.

The Hakka! This was really something special to see live
 and at such an important match.

Opening ceremonies and the Hakka! Everyone was so excited for the very
 anticipated rugby match to begin!

Hot Cocoa at the Ruby Match.
A sweet treat to stay warm!

            The players took to the field and the match began. I was intrigued, yet slightly bewildered in my first few seconds of the game. Having seen rugby in bits on television and learning about the game from friends, I knew what to expect but not necessarily in such force as I was seeing played in front of me. I found it particularly interesting how long each play goes on for. A player is tackled down and he passes the rugby onto another player who continues the play in a different direction. The game is nonstop. I had such appreciation for the players whose stamina allowed them to persist through the long plays and whose power they allowed them to push through defense players. With the heart of a warrior, they refused to relinquish a second of the game to their opponent. It was a bit of a chilly night, but in the spirit of such an intense game the cold was almost lost on us. Even more, delightful hot cocoa was sure to warm us up. The match was close almost the whole way through. Try after try the crowd went wild. New Zealand pulled away in the last few minutes. Scotland put up quite the fight and despite a loss it was an extremely well played match. We rooted for our team, excited to be part of a very monumental match.

This was quite an intense match! We had so much fun this Saturday evening in Scotland!

My first rugby match was quite the magical night. The evening came to a close and we left the stadium in smiles and hype from such an intense match. A few minutes to the end of the game, we made our way to the train to avoid the crowds of people headed back to the city center. On our way home we went over all the highlights of the match. Even after one match, I found myself better able to understand the sport. Hopefully, I will see this progress as I watch future matches. I always hoped to attend a rugby match prior to leaving Edinburgh. The Scotland versus New Zealand match could not have been a better pick! I said goodnight to the evening, still floating on all the rugby excitement. This match has been one of my favorite memories from Edinburgh thus far and a special moment of my trip I may share with family and friends. Abroad in Scotland, I felt part of a team, all cheering for the same team and celebrating the hope for. In moments like these, I know how welcoming Scotland is and the comforts of feeling at home. This experience inspires me to go after other ventures in Scotland and experience as much as I can in a city I now call a home abroad. There is so much of Edinburgh, rather Scotland I have left to see. I plan to go after all the adventures I can find. For curiosity is the spark to constantly expand my mind. Until then, Go Scotland!