Allister Hogg admits he is excited about Edinburgh’s curtain raiser to the 2009/2010 season when London giants Harlequins head north for the warm-up match at Myreside on Saturday, 22 August (kick off 3pm).

After finishing second in the Guinness Premiership and progressing through to the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup, Harlequins are tipped to challenge for major honours again during the forthcoming season.

As a result, Hogg believes that the friendly against the highly-rated ‘Quins will be ideal preparation for Edinburgh as the team from the Capital aim to surpass last season’s second spot finish in the Magners League.

Hogg said: “We are looking forward to playing Harlequins because they are a good side as they proved last season in the Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

“They throw the ball about - like we do – and it should be an entertaining game for the supporters.

“In terms of preparation, I’m sure it will stand us in good stead for the season ahead and help us to see where we are in terms of overall sharpness and fitness levels.”

Last season, Edinburgh kicked off a record-breaking campaign, which ended with six successive wins, with a friendly win over then English champions Wasps in front of a 4, 250 crowd at Murrayfield.

Hogg missed that fixture, but Edinburgh’s vice captain believes that glamour warm-up matches against high profile opposition is beneficial to the growth of the club.

He added: “I didn’t play in the friendly against Wasps last season, but it was a good spectacle for the fans.

“We’ve put in some hard work in pre-season and everything is building up towards the start of the new campaign. Hopefully with a new head coach on board we can improve on what we achieved last season.”

Edinburgh will stage the match at Myreside, the home of Premier One side, Watsonians – familiar territory for Hogg, who has recently been appointed the club’s forwards coach.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of coaching and hopefully making the boys there better players. Hopefully Watsonians will go on and enjoy a successful season.

“I haven’t had a session with them yet, but I’m looking forward to getting involved and taking it from there really.”

Edinburgh will also face Newcastle Falcons in a warm-up match away at Kingston Park on Friday 28 August (kick off 7.45pm) before the start of the Magners League season.

The Harlequins game could potentially be the first opportunity for Edinburgh supporters to see summer signings, Ross Samson, Steve Jones, David Young and Tim Visser in action in the Black and Red.

Ticket prices will be as follows: Adults: £20 (£15 if pre-purchased, call 0131 346 5180), Concessions (students and senior citizens): £10 and Juniors (under-18): £5. Season Ticket holders can gain free admission for the match.

Hogg has shown his commitment for the 2009/2010 campaign and now Edinburgh supporters are being encouraged to follow suit by signing up for a great value Season Ticket package.
 
Junior Season Tickets, for supporters under the age of 18, are available for only £30 which enables the supporter to enjoy 24 hours of top-class rugby action.
 
For more details, supporters are advised to visit the club’s official website, edinburghrugby.org or to call the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre on 0131 346 5180.