Military build-up at Murrayfield ahead of Scotland-France nothing for Dupont to worry about

Military bands have long been central to the build-up to international rugby matches at Murrayfield. And, with mighty France coming to take on Scotland this Saturday, we can expect them to play their usual starring role in helping to rouse the crowd to their exuberant best.

With the game a possible Six Nations decider (assuming Scotland can also overcome Ireland), the stakes are high.

However, we would like to reassure Antoine Dupont and co that Scotland will be playing strictly by the rules of the union code during the game and that there will be no military action, of any kind whatsoever, taken on the field of play.

Antoine Dupont of France charges upfield during last month's Six Nations match against Italy (Picture: David Rogers) | Getty Images

The fact that “Exercise Kukri Dawn” – involving the RAF, police and others – saw blank shots fired at the stadium and a massive Chinook helicopter land just outside yesterday and that the training exercise is due to continue until March 13 is in no way related to the looming sporting conflict.

Any associated boost to the adrenalin of the Scottish players, such as the 126kg (19 stone 11) Zander Fagerson, will be entirely incidental.