Hastings said: "It certainly is a memorable jersey and hopefully the performances the players put in over the two derby games against Glasgow will be equally memorable.

“It is a striking, eye-catching shirt and I’m sure both players and supporters alike will be proud to wear it. During my career I wore the colours of Watsonians, London Scottish, Edinburgh, Scotland and the Lions. But I never wore anything as colourful as this shirt, so it is a bit of fun - a Scottish take on the Stade Francais shirt."

During his illustrious playing career, Hastings achieved a cavalcade of achievements including scoring a hat-trick against Glasgow at Meggetland over 20 years ago.

The former Lions captain says the rivalry between the teams from the east and the west has always been intense and believes that will continue during the festive double-header.

He added: “The derby game has always attracted a lot of interest and it has always been an important match in Scottish rugby. During my playing days, the game was often seen to be an unofficial trial to see who should play for Scotland. Now that is even more important because there are only two professional teams in Scotland.

“And with so many current internationalists involved with both Edinburgh and Glasgow it will be another keenly contested battle. We are expecting a record crowd and, without a doubt, it is the biggest game in Scotland.”

Rhino’s Steve Chapman echoed the views of Edinburgh’s chairman and said: "Rhino Pure Rugby take great pride in supporting Edinburgh Rugby Club as they compete in the David Lloyd 1872 Cup, the longest-running representative derby outside the international arena in the world of rugby.

“To commemorate the event, a specially designed playing shirt has been created.  The design incorporates thistles, the national flower of Scotland and uses the official Edinburgh club colours to create a fittingly festive kit. The limited edition shirts are individually numbered making each one unique.

“Manufactured using Rhino COOLDRY® this shirt achieves the same excellent standards of performance as all Rhino Pure Rugby professional playing shirts.  Rhino Pure Rugby would also like to take the opportunity of wishing everyone connected with Edinburgh a Merry Christmas and healthy, happy and prosperous new year.”