Preparing for the road to Murrayfield, the University of Aberdeen Men's Rugby team are gearing up this week for the most significant match in their 138 year history.
The team will compete for the Scottish Rugby Union National Plate on Saturday 3 May. The first university team ever to make it through to the finals stage of this competition, they will take on fellow finalists Portobello to secure the coveted prize.
The only team to be representing northern Scotland in the finals, their place in this crucial round was booked following victory against GHK in the semi-final showdown, which took place at Kings College last month.
High hopes are held for the team as the march to Murrayfield commences, as Club President Chris Hunter explains: "This is a momentous occasion for the team and spirits and confidence are high as we undergo the final training sessions in preparation for the match on Saturday.
"Winning a place in the final of this celebrated competition is undoubtedly the greatest achievement in the history of the University of Aberdeen Men's Rugby team. The players have displayed strong skills, team work and perseverance throughout the various stages of the competition and we are very much looking forward to what we anticipate will be a hotly contested match against Portobello.
"Taking to the pitch at Murrayfield is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the team and rigorous training sessions have been taking place throughout the week to ensure the players are in prime condition to take on the challenge. We are looking forward to bringing a home crowd of supporters with us to the match to provide vital vocal support and encouragement on the day."
For supporters wishing to attend the Scottish Rugby Union Plate final return bus travel and tickets to the event are available from the Butchart Recreation Centre, University Road, Kings College, at a cost of £15. All proceeds go towards the University of Aberdeen Rugby Club. Please contact Gordon Cox, 01224 272311, href="mailto:vpsport@abdn.ac.uk">vpsport@abdn.ac.uk</a> for further information.