Glasgow’s Max Evans and Edinburgh’s David Blair admit brotherly love will add to the inter-city rivalry ahead of the opening leg of the David Lloyd 1872 Cup at Murrayfield on Boxing Day (kick-off 7:30pm).

Centre Evans and stand-off Blair reveal they enjoy playing alongside their siblings in the back-line and both believe their family ties will make the Biggest Game in Scotland even more special.

Scotland internationalist Evans believes his on-field understanding with younger brother Thom could hand Glasgow an advantage, but refused to reveal their tactical family secrets.

He said: “It gives me a comfortable feeling playing alongside Thom because I’m so used to doing it.

“It was actually quite weird at the Bath game after he got injured because he wasn’t there on the wing.

“We’ve got a few tactical things planned as well. When we do moves, I know exactly where he is and vice versa, but I won’t reveal those secret tactics to Edinburgh.”

Blair echoed those sentiments and acknowledged that potentially forming the half-back combination with older brother Mike will make his parents proud and revealed his entire clan will be at Murrayfield for Magners League match.

Blair said: “Obviously I enjoy playing alongside Mike, but it is more of a big deal for my parents than anything else.

“Growing up, I’ve watched Mike over the years and I know how he likes to play, so it is all about forming a partnership with him.

“My eldest brother and his girlfriend are coming up from London to watch the game, so the whole Blair family will be there.”

The Evans brothers became the 45th pair of siblings to represent Scotland during the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests in November, however, with Max still to play 80 minutes of rugby at Murrayfield, he is looking forward to his first full debut at the home of Scottish Rugby.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the match because I’ve never actually played a full game at Murrayfield yet.

“I’ve played there for the Sevens, but I’ve never played there fully, so that is something I’m excited about.”

With both Blair brothers born-and-bred in the capital, David also believes that local pride will play a part in determining the outcome of the match.

The 23-year-old also says he is really looking forward to playing in front of a record crowd for the opening leg of the 1872 Cup.

He added: “I’m really excited about it and everyone is looking forward to it. We’ve just come back from a week off and there is a good buzz in the camp; hopefully we’ll get a victory.

“Hopefully we can show the people that come to the game that Edinburgh and Glasgow are teams that they can support for many years; not just for the derby.”

Tickets are still available for the Boxing Day derby – priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under 18s – and can be purchased by calling the ticket hotline on 0131 346 5180 or by clicking here.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early for the Boxing Day derby clash to take advantage of the pre-match festivities around Murrayfield Stadium – featuring Murrayfield’s new big screens.
 
Food and drink will be available throughout the stadium and Murrayfield’s President’s Suite in the west stand is open to everyone (capacity restrictions apply).
 
Also, the first 300 adult fans in the President’s Suite will be entitled to free mince pies and mulled wine.
 
Traffic Police have also issued some important information regarding car parking around the stadium – click here for more game and travel information.
 
Those attending the match on Boxing Day are reminded that public transport in Edinburgh will be limited (further details are available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/transportedinburgh/Buses and www.lothianbuses.com)

The deciding leg of the David Lloyd 1872 Cup is at Firhill on Friday 2 January (kick-off 3pm). Tickets are still available – priced at £20 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under 18s - by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 800 3490 or by clicking here.