Melrose Sevens has remained one of the main events in the Scottish rugby calendar through all the turmoil that the introduction of professional rugby has brought to Scottish club rugby.

The pressure to move the Scottish Border Sevens away from April has come from various areas within Scotland, however, Melrose RFC have been at the heart of ensuring that Seven-a Side rugby has a vital part to play in the development of players and promoting the fact that diminishing its place within the game would be detrimental to the long term ambitions of Scottish rugby

The abbreviated game has the ability to showcase emerging talent in a way that the fifteen-a-side game cannot. The skills of players are much more exposed and those that do not have the ability to perform at high fitness and lung bursting levels are found out.

It astounds most people when they are informed of the fact that Melrose Sevens is normally planned and delivered, on a purely voluntary basis, by a Sevens Committee and an army of experienced volunteers who have a passion for the abbreviated game.

As is the case in most annual events, experience is vital in ironing out any problems that have been encountered in the past.

The Sevens Committee of Melrose RFC are aware of the need to continually review the success of their Sevens tournament and the celebrations for the 125th Anniversary of Sevens generated a number of lengthy meetings to consider what should be included within a proposed, expanded event.

The decision to have a 24-team tournament is a major, logistical obstacle that has to be addressed, as the Club have only held one other 24-team event and that was for the Centenary in 1983.

Thankfully, the experience of Tom Wight, retired Sevens Chairman and George Bunyan, retired Sevens Secretary, who were both in their posts in 1983, remain available to the club.

Melrose RFC are, also, very grateful for the support of all our partners who will be assisting us in the delivery of Melrose 125 (the 125th Anniversary of Sevens),
namely :-

Event Scotland, Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Enterprise Borders.

It is the objective of Melrose RFC Sevens Committee to deliver an expanded, enhanced experience for all who decide to be at the Greenyards for Melrose 125 celebrations. The Greenyards Village, together with the Ladies, Vets and Youth Tournaments will all play a part in what is planned to be a great three days in Melrose.